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THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

AND OTHER POEMS 



The Crystal Gazer 

AND 

OTHER POEMS 



By 



MINNIE BOND GARNER RANNEY 




CHICAGO 

RAND McNALLY & CO. 
1916 



Copyright, 1916, 
By F. G. Ranney 







©CU4y39J4 



DEDICATION 

To the Dear Memory 
Of a Loving Wife and Devoted Mother 

These Selected Verses 

Are Published for Those who Loved Her 

By Her Husband and Children 

"She being dead yet speakeih" 



NOTE 

The poems in this little volume are printed, with 
minor exceptions, in the form in which the author left 
them. In the indention of the longer poems especially, 
the manuscript form has been followed without re- 
vision although not conforming closely to conventional 

rules. 

— The Publishers 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Crystal Gazer 13 

The Exile 16 

The Clown 19 

FORTUNIO, THE LlON TamER 22 

Black Browed Nan 24 

Setsuko 26 

Cast Out 28 

Eileen of the Mill 30 

The Grey Monk 32 

In THE Rosary 35 

A Christmas Legend 38 

Cometh the Lord of Light 40 

Easter Robins 43 

Yonder Way 46 

Peace 48 

Those Heavenly Hands 50 

In the Shadow of the Cross 51 

The King's Lament 53 

The Bridge Builders 55 

Maker of Bricks 57 

P^AN OF Pain 59 

The Psalm of Women 61 

The Puzzle 63 

Who Hath Great Love 66 

Love 68 

To A. C. S 69 

To O. W 72 

Mahala! O Mahala! 74 

The White Nun — Gabrielle 78 

7 



8 CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Awakening 80 

The Voice 82 

The Purple Hellebore 85 

The Magic Wreath 87 

The Gnarled Old Apple Tree 88 

Then the Winds of Winter Blow 90 

The Signal 92 

The Place of His Heart 94 

How Farest Thou? 96 

The Mirrored Moon 97 

There Is a Bird Which Sings 99 

The Silver Sailing Swans loi 

The Stygian Swans 103 

Poseidon's Steeds 105 

Breaking Waves 107 

Life's Trampled Bloom 109 

The Soldier's Song in 

My Own People Smoke the Pipe of Peace . . .113 

Dis Am a Lazy Niggeh 114 

The Cynic Moon 116 

With Wings of Fire 118 

Love 120 

A Litany 123 

Life's Day ' . . . . 124 

Stand 125 

The Watch 126 

The Test 127 

You Come Too Late 129 

The Spinner of the Night 130 

Daphne 131 

Where We Must Dwell Apart 133 

A Fallen Flower 134 

A Wastrel Blown 135 



CONTENTS 9 

PAGE 

The Camellia 136 

A Japanese Garden i37 

The Blue Flower 140 

Autumn — I 142 

Autumn — II I43 

There Is a Bland, Mysterious Land 144 

Elise 146 

Maiden of Snow i47 

Wayward Love 148 

The Little Paths i49 

The Peri 150 

A Geisha 151 

Love's Forgiveness 152 

When Night Soothes Care 153 

O Love, Be Kind 154 

To Crown a Cause 155 

The Question 156 

En Garde! 158 

War — I 159 

War— II 160 

"The Land of Fear" 161 

An Oasis 162 

Where Mystery Lurks 163 

The Stolen Slave 164 

The Golden Stream 165 

Mirame 166 

The Maestro's Violin 167 

A Man 168 

Unconquered 169 

Sappho's Servitude 170 

Blight 171 

Sleep 172 



10 CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Blest Night 173 

The Amaranthine Flower 174 

My Darling 175 

Then the Roses Fall 176 

When You Sing 177 

Love's Mystery 178 

Adieu 179 



THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

AND OTHER POEMS 



THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

AND OTHER POEMS 

THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

THE Crystal Gazer in his glass 
Saw a train of gypsies pass, 
With canvas covered wains; 

Floundering through a deep morass 
They sought the English lanes; 

Their crimson cheeks and lips afire 
Frosted with autumn stains; 
Like augers dire 
With slumbering ire 
Their eyes peered through the rains. 

The gypsies rich in scarlet cloaks 

And clinking golden gains; 
With throaty laughs at tricksy jokes — 
Wound plashing, through the lanes, 
Whilst white teeth flashed 
And sudden lashed 
The widened breadths of rain. 

Beneath the stalwart gypsies' vests 

Ho! hot love smouldered in those breasts 
(Where poinyards hidden were — ) 

Whilst fierce Love wandered on strange quests 
Beneath the spruce and fir; 
For one maid there 
With hanging hair 

[13] 



14 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

And lips which burned like brine, 
A stranger bold 
Besought — and sold 
Sweet pelf — making a furtive sign. 

Quoth she— "Aright 

I'll tell thy phght 

In fortune, handsome sir, 

When dark the shade 

Within the glade 

Beneath the crooked Fir"; 

And Love bore down the dales of night 

To seek the source of all delight, 
(Meshed in the skein of her long braid) 
Nor recked that poinyards were 
Neath leathern vest 
Like snakes at rest 
Coiled ready for the sting. 

(Intent upon his mystic sphere 

The Crystal Gazer shook with fear.) 
Light Love was slain upon the hill. 

That gypsy-like had had its will 
Beneath the spruce and fir; 
The Serpent sprung and made his kill — 

Upon the midnight plain, 
But aie! the shuddering eyes of her 

That stared up through the rain! 

And who may guess the roads they took 

O'er fallow field and shallow brook, 
As creaking crossed the wains, 
Down secret forest roads forsook, 



AND OTHER POEMS 15 

Strange putteran they undertook, 

Through the windy gusts of rain, 
For no man saw those eery folk 

No yokel e'er the tribe bespoke. 
With cracking whips the rocking wains 

Went rolling down the night's long plains, 
But a Romany there, whose heart was bare. 

Crouching, clutched his matted hair — 
His hand — red with blood-stains ! 

In stealthy flight 
No star in sight — 
Fled on that ghost-like train, 

Upon their ancient gypsying 
(One branded like to Cain) ; 
Behind was left 
Withouten ring, 
A maid who ne'er should greet the Spring, 

Or cross man's palm again — 
And aie! the shuddering eyes of her 
That stared up at the crooked fir 
Midst the gusty flaws of rain. 

With cracking whips the rocking wains 
Went roiling down the night's long lanes, 

A Romany there who clutched his hair 
Aye, shuddered at the rains. 

But no man knew what mom should bring 
For in the night 

The gypsies went beyond their sight 
Upon their ancient gypsying. 



16 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE EXILE 

Boris, my brother, dost thou remember 
Light was my heart, and my free troth pHghted, 

Vladimir Malakoff promised to me — 
Feasting on name-day, candles were lighted, 

Pictures were placed, and no good Saint was 
slighted — 
Clad in our best, with a fair company; 
Brother, my brother! what Horror descending 
Wrought out of Agony 
Exile unending ? 

(Brother answers.) 

My Sister! 

Brother, my brother ! dost thou remember 

"Basil the beautiful," 
Spendthrift, gay spender of kisses tmdutiful 

Lover and Render, 
By Baltic blue, where the Russ maiden slender 

Was won to his wishes? 
(Chill, blew the Autumn-wind, in that September 
Few were the fishes.) 

(Brother.) 

Aye, Natalia! 

Basil — the rich, young savage of Splendor, 
Basil, the powerful exile-sender. 



AND OTHER POEMS 17 

Near to the Tzar — and conqueror 
Ravisher, Render 
Of maidens iindutiful, 
Basil magnificent, Basil the beautiful 

Giver of gifts, gay spender of kisses — 
Hark! Eve's serpent hisses, 
"Lost Eden remember!" 

(Brother.) 

Cease, Natalia ! 

But a stronger than he, strange exile-sender. 

Death, the stealthy, great binder, and blender 
Bore him to black Styx, which no Grand Duke misses — 
Deep, drove the dirk, to that high betrayer 

Who heeded no threat, nor a childish prayer — 
Basil! thou beautiful savage of Splendor, 
(Driver of men — and conqueror — ) 
Vladimir Malakoff , paid for those kisses, 
Ravished from us — (Hark! Eve's serpent hisses, 
" Lost Eden remember ! ") 

(Brother.) 

False, wert thou, Natalia! 

Swart was his face, and his dark eyes tender, 
(Lover marauder ! 
My senses disorder — ) 
Basil the bold, steel-muscled and slender 
Buyer of blisses ! 
The serf's knife ne'er misses 
Thy throat, for Natalia — Eve, the love-apple kisses 
2 



18 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Though her wise serpent hisses, 
"Hate! not Eden, remember!" 

(Brother aside.) 

Mad — my NataHa! 

Brother, my brother! dost thou remember? 
Deep was the snow, and the embers ashen 
In the early mom of a bleak December 
Vladimir Malakoff shot in the square 
Cooled all his passion! 
And we exiled — who waited there 
Fain to kiss his hand — 
Both Noble and Serf at the foul demand 
Of Fate, were sped, in a sanguine fashion; 
Deep was the snow — and the embers ashen 
In the bitter mom, of that dread December. 

(Brother aside.) 

Thus was it Sister! 

Horror descending — 
Wrought out of Agony 

Exile unending. 



AND OTHER POEMS 19 

THE CLOWN 

When the town 
Doth in eve's deepening shadows drown 
And I am done with plaudits of renown — 
Fantastic gambols o'er, 
I close my chamber door 
Full fain for rest; 
A painted clown 
Who now hath done with jest; 

The cap and bells at last put by 
Flung down, quite spent, supine I lie, 

Lapt in soft dreams, to sigh at will — 
Straight laid, as one long dead and still. 

Without the world; now, none to chide or fear, 
My Soul may speak aloud unto thy listening ear, 
Oh, Wizard Night! 

What secrets hid are thine, of beings burdened grown 
Though they must smile 
E'en here a little longer while 
Ere all of Life is known; 
What mad imaginings are thine, O Night ! 
Of vanished Delight; 
Of harps with muted strings; 

The spiced cup of the Rose 

That Bulbul sings 
In gardens of dead things; 
A haunting fragrance flows 

Through thy lote hours, 

Oh, Night! 
Of withered bowers. 



20 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Stare not with grave eyes gloomed in mine, 
Fond Night! 
To conjure ghmpses of divine 
Dead Beauty — white 
As the snow-drifts are 
Heaped round a lonely mountain shrine, 

And precious as sad Magdalene's jar — 
Lest Memory slay me with the sight 
Of my lost gardens dreaming nigh — 
While all the suns and moons wheel by 
Those Altars, stripped and desolate, 
Where Love was crowned — throned, in His state. 

Bring me thy dreams, star-sown — 
And flowering to some new rapture's height 
In Youth's brimmed heart of joy 
Untouched of grief's alloy, 
Full, nmning o'er with Song, 
So make days that may not belong 
To this worn soul of me, once more mine own; 
With fingers slight 

Weave, Night, 
Thy broidered tapestry; 
Thus, may'st thou show me Her — sweeter than lilies, 
far, 
Lovely and languid, drifting do^^'Tl a dream — 
And cold as they who hold their silver rite 
Envisaged in the stream. 

Unravaged of a sterner flood 
No breath doth stir her waxen bud; 

More distant than yon star — 
Which reels on its appointed flight 



AND OTHER POEMS 21 

Above this Clown — mysterious Night ! 
So fair, so dear, so vain my vision 
Pale Mistress of my pain ! 
Rapt in the mantling moonbeams, bordered bright, 
I'd sleep, nor wake again. 
But tread those paths elysian — 
Where our lost gardens dreaming lie 
Green verdured, in their rainbowed showers. 

The suns, and planets proud, wheel by. 
And drifts from fadeless bowers, O Night ! 

Perfume of unknown flowers. 
There, radiant, walks through fields of light, 
Great Love — deathless in his might ! 



22 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



FORTUNIO, THE LION TAMER 

FoRTUNio, the strong, the kind, the gay, 
Fearless and fond, hath vanished in a day! 

(The Wander-Wind now blows and yonder goes. 
Shredding the spent leaves of the fallen rose; 

And finest fruit, Fate plucks from bough away.) 

Fortunio, king over brutes, lay dead 

His savage pets, whom late he captive led. 

Grown restive with the surge of angry pain. 
Awaited there his stroking hand, in vain — 

From alien one, refusing to be fed. 

Big Basil, handsome beast, who had not dined. 
Hung his great head low whimpering like a hind. 

Nor cooling drop, nor bit of blood-bright meat 
Could his sore heart of its rude sorrow cheat; 

His tail he lashed, his eyes with rage grew blind. 

His cage he shook, as in a proud review 

The gilded cars went down the avenue 
Before the crowd of people densely massed. 

That stood to watch whilst jungle creatures passed 
Whose master now their ire could not subdue. 

Then Basil voiced a deep, harsh, sudden roar. 
So men should hear : ' ' Fortunio is no more ! ' ' 

And as his dreadful protest loudly broke. 

Tall tower and steeples answering echoes woke, 

Beseeching Heaven, Fortunio restore! 



AND OTHER POEMS 23 

Dull day by day, the Lion strangely ailed, 
And violent, he paced, till keepers quailed; 

His glowing amber orbs, at length grew dim 
With vigil for the muted step of him, 

Till conquered by fierce Grief, at last he failed. 

The Tawny One, coerced in savage might 
To follow on that master gone from sight; 

'T is shown the hot heart of a brute may break 
Of anguish for a faithful friend's dear sake. 

Who daimtless did his stormy needs requite. 

Fortunio, the brave! the confident! 

Whom jungle-kind could never circumvent — 
His subtle power o'er tropic heats laid down, 

Good Knight may be, who one time played the 
clown 
In pageantry of Life's large Circus tent ! 



24 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



BLACK BROWED NAN 

Black browed and supple thewed 

I mended nets at Caen, 
When down to sea our lugger rude 

On every venture ran — 

And I, the last one of my brood 
When our first youth began — 

Bound up my black hair with a snood 
Of crimson, for big Dan. 

When scanty grew the store of food 
He brought his fish to "Nan" — 

Though I was aye a buxom prude, 
I took him, for my man. 

Black browed and supple thewed 

As ever was my clan — 
Forgotten was the village feud. 

And all the churchly ban — 

Cold poverty's vicissitude — 
When home came stalwart Dan, 

Till I knew man's ingratitude — 
For — I brought forth a man. 

Oh, strange and stormy tides imbued 
His soul — out of life's span — 

As one — some quicksand may delude 
To rive his barrican. 



AND OTHER POEMS 25 

When oft to sea-ward Salvage wooed 

To daring — now a man — 
My son, the drift-log caught and hewed, 

Rare proud was I of Dan. 

But sore I wept o'er that red snood — 

The vanity of "Nan," 
A monstrous Fate my potion brewed 

Down by the stream of Caen. 

Black browed and supple the wed, 

My loins brought forth a man — 
To hang at length for murdrous mood — 

Now weep — ye crones! who can. 



26 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



SETSUKO 

Pale Setsulco was a Beauty high, 
Who dwelt where the indigo Dragons fly ; 
Smooth was her cheek and her almond eye 

Was as subtle as wise Japan. 



Her hair was dusk as the bat, Night's wing. 
Where Devil-Seas brood and the false Tides swing. 
Where the Star-Gods wide their lanterns fling, 

In the skies of this old Japan. 



But Setsuko, who was bought with gold 
For wife by the Samurai rich and old. 
Looked on a lover, both yoimg and bold 

(This is fatal in fair Japan). 



"My cherry-blossom, oh, who will buy?" 
She listening stole to the screen to spy. 
Smiling, she saw him there pause and sigh 
(As they sigh — in this strange Japan). 



Asleep that moon, to her side there crept 
The Lord of her life — swift his lean blade lept! 
Deep in her bosom it lithely swept 

As the Flame-God of fierce Japan, 



AND OTHER POEMS 27 

His dagger drove, to the Fool-Heart sly, 
A blood-bright parchment, where one might descry — 
"My cherry-blossom, oh, who will buy?" 

(Thus they punish, in far Japan.) 



28 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



CAST OUT 

I KNOW the moor is broad though rough — 
And do not fear the midnight wind — 

Alas ! it is not wide enough 

To save me from a world unkind. 

For hastening on the thorny way- 
Till darkness falls, till night shall hide 

The shame that cries aloud by day, 
I may not pause, I must not bide. 

I hear the footfalls after me 

Of those who gibe and laugh and jeer 
To whelm a soul, which like the Sea, 

Holds but the dead, that once were dear. 

The trail is worn across the moor. 
And lorn the cry of wolf and loon ; 

But at my labor's end, I 'm sure 

To find God's peace — pray it be soon! 

A coverlet of cloud and mist 

Is warm enough, my babe, I know, 

And bed of earth, for me who kissed 
False lips of him who brought me low. 

But for that mouth I loved of him — 
Sore shod I 'd journey o'er the wold. 

Though rattle-snake all banded, slim. 
Glides where my path leads dark and cold. 



AND OTHER POEMS 29 

Though hghtnings fright my coward heart, 
And tears down fall like driven rain — 

My child ! why dost thou bound and start ? 
Now welcome comes hard travail pain. 

Then one lost spirit, far astray 
Within the waste of thistles sown. 

Saw no man kindly succor pay; 
A piteous babe wailed long, alone. 



30 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



EILEEN OF THE MILL 

Beneath the rose-leaves in the dark 
Here lieth Eileen, cold and stark; 
Within her clenched and stiffened hand 
The Secret held — none understand. 



So soon to claim the cold and mould, 
She who hath strayed from out the fold- 
Now softly smiling, enters in 
Despite the bondage of her sin. 



Between the days of bud and bloom. 
Swept swiftl}^ down Life's rushing flume 
Sweet Eileen took the path which leads 
Below the river and its reeds. 



She was so weary of it all. 
She who stumbled, swift to fall — 
And thus she thought the river leapt 
To clutch and claim her where she stept. 



For little Eileen, white and still, 

Poor young Eileen of the mill, 

Had touched — and found the City's heart 

Hard as marble — so, apart, 



AND OTHER POEMS 31 

She now is laid all cold and stark 
Beneath the rose-leaves in the dark, 
Yet smiles — as one who understands 
Death's secret, of the folded hands. 



32 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE GREY MONK 

Grey hoods bowed low in prayer 
Adown the hollowed stair 

Each Monk creeps from his lair, 
But one is late. 

On riven air doth swell 

Grave Monastery-bell 
Tolling for him a knell 

To Love and Hate. 

For these did he retire 

Where hoary Griefs suspire 

In ashes of dead fire — 
A grim array. 

From happy birds and bees, 
From sunshine on the Seas — 

To be at last with these 
Who dumbly wait. 

The Casket's iron lid 

Shut down, and thus was hid 
The vengeance — God forbid — 

Ye shaven-pate. 

Beneath the cowl's grey pall — 
Dark heads are covered all, 

And flashing eyes must fall 
On saintly lore. 



AND OTHER POEMS 33 

While all the years that be 

Shall change not, nor the sea 
Which yieldeth not— to thee 

Love comes no more. 

Dost listen for His song? 

Not unto thee belong 
His roses — but the thong, 

By night and day. 

In Deserts of Lost Days, 

Are lone paths, through the maze 

Where pale Love ever strays — 
Nor finds his way. 

Still rides thy straining soul 

On whelming tides that roll, 
And pays its tithe of dole 

While lightnings fleer! 

Yea, Monk, come tell thy beads! 

Fall they like blackened seeds 
From sere and broken reeds 

Round that lost meer! 

Through all the fruitless years 
With trembling and with fears 

Christ's Cup, of Blood and Tears 
Ye lifted up. 

When Monks are laid aside. 
Where all of these must bide, 
3 



34 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

In burial, deep, and wide — 
They eat nor sup. 

Fierce battle-cries of Kings, 
Deep song the Minstrel sings. 

Strange burdens of dead Things - 
Are soon forgot. 

Where flows the river Styx 
Grief's tides of tears must mix 

Kiss, Monk, thy Crucifix! 
Remember not. 



AND OTHER POEMS 35 



IN THE ROSARY 



Ere struck the monastery bell for hour of Nones 
Pacing The Rosary's worn paving stones, 

Counted I thrice, each ivory bead I told, 
As the tall stars night's pageantry unrolled. 

Across the purple heaven in their circling flight ; 

The generous Moon gave all the garden light, 
Save where rose-petals fallen, made a pool 

Of crimson, neath the black cross etched with buhl- 

That reared its nailed agony upon the wall 
Over the Fount of Mary's Tears which fall 

Midway the marble, in its columned space ; 
And suddenly, above that sacred place, 

I saw a wild bird go winging through the night 
Voicing the gladness of Life's old delight; 

Voicing the madness of Life's old dispair — 
Heard I the music of a bird somewhere. 

The valiant Stars that keep the service of the Moon 
Beheld my heart lone locked in its long swoon; 

Beheld my heart deep rusted with regret — 
And Sentinel — the Stars are watching yet. 

I heard the wondrous music of a bird just now — 
Singing, so madly singing on the bough. 

But all my tears had flowed away to Sea 
And all of grief, seemed scourged to death in me. 



36 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

The virile Stars looked on my sterile heart 

Where never more should Love's flower blow apart — 

Oh, in the singing of that nightingale 
Wailed earth-old sadness of Youth's broken tale. 

Poured from the souls of cloistered women of the race 
Pallor of woe and weeping on each face — 

I knew the passion of that bird somewhere 
Which took its flight into the upper air. 

Rapt in its song of life's strange gladness and dispair 
Heard I the music of a bird somewhere 

Sobbing love's requiem on the rose-tree bough, 
I could not weep — the rose is dead^ — and Thou? 

Sore singing, lo! the flower hath fallen from the tree 
Roses so red, know all the winds that be; 

Singing — the bud is blighted on the bough 

That blythest was — and where, lost mate, art thou? 

Rebelled my soul, which knows but the pale Christ's 
embrace 

Rose, that is laid in Death's stark hands a space ! 
Leaping, my heart thrilled to an olden heat, 

For blood ran in the vein of life too fleet — 

So sweet that winged song of loves that mix and fail 
Even as your notes, mating nightingale ! 

I heard yon songster singing in dark tree 
A wailing threnody, dead Love, to thee. 

Bewildered was my spirit neath an eery spell, 

Till struck twelve iron strokes of midnight's bell, 



AND OTHER POEMS 37 

And the persuading measure of that strain 
Was stilled, never to be heard again. 

Thus — sinful monk — plumbed I the dreadful depths of 
hell 
And I, blind monk, saw heaven unclose as well — 
Yea, stripes with scourge this shrived penitent must 
pay 
Ere tears of blood shall wash his fault away. 



38 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



A CHRISTMAS LEGEND 



Winter wraps all the land 
(Hid buds must sleep) 

But, on a startled strand, 
Fresh blossoms creep. 

Dark grows the forest pine, 

Olive gives oil, 
Nature's pure, pent-up wine 

Spills golden spoil. 

Wide spreads the cedar tree, 
White waves the thorn. 

Out of Life's mystery 
A young babe is bom. 

Under the blowing bough. 
Hear the lambs bleat ! 

Lullabies soothe his brow. 
Wind- woven, sweet. 

Orb of the Wilderness 

Lighteth his bed. 
Leaning, the Angels press 

Close, by his head. 

Wonder, of streaming light. 

Shadowy wings, 
Hover, throughout the night. 

Bright Seraph sings. 



AND OTHER POEMS 39 

Pale, bends His Mother's face, 

Breathing soft plea, 
"Dear God, now give us grace — 

My Son, and me." 

"Raise, from this lowly byre, 
To heaven's height! 
There, shall each silver lyre 
His praise recite." 

Hearing blest Mary's voice, 

Kneeleth dull ox ! 
Even the swine rejoice! 
"Hail!" cry the cocks. 

Cattle then undertake 

Speech, strange to hear ! 
Trembling, new worlds awake ! 

Magi draw near. 

Over the frozen earth, 

Riving the clod. 
Burgeon with Jesus' birth, 

Flowers, of God. 

Christ bom in poverty, 

Child of His love! 
Teach men, like Thee, to be 

Pure, as the Dove. 



40 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



COMETH THE LORD OF LIGHT 

Hearken ! above the night, 
Seraphs are singing — 
"Cometh the Lord of Light 
Mailed in His might 
Recompense bringing." 

Dark is the World, though bright 

Planets are burning — 
O'er earthly pain and blight 

Poised in aerial flight. 
Angels are yearning. 

Dreary the frozen fen 
Hushed is the Horsel — 

Wanderer seeks again 

Far from the marts of men 
God's cup and Morsel. 

Hearken ! above the night 
Seraphs are singing — 
"Cometh the Lord of Light 
Mailed in His might 
Recompense bringing." 

Holy the place of birth 
(Housed in a stable) 
Out of the Manger's dearth 



AND OTHER POEMS 41 

Smiling in infant mirth 
Sprung strong and able. 

Lowly the Saviour comes! 

Eyes full of pity 
Sad-searching poisoned slums, 

Racked by the noisy thrums 
Of a World City. 

Hearken ! above the flight 
Carols are ringing! 
"Cometh the Lord of Light 

Healing the blind, with sight 
Recompense bringing." 

Breathing this message blest, 
"Ye who bear crosses — 
Ye who on life-long quest 
Vexed are, unknown of rest. 
Saddened by losses — 

"Ye who with anguish moan. 
Ye who have toiled — 
Each pang shall Love atone. 
Till to full statue grown 
Souls are assoiled. 

Hearken ! above the night 
Carols are ringing ! 
"Cometh the Lord of Light 
Mailed in His might 
Recompense bringing." 



42 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Flashing on pinions white 

Cherubs are winging 
Close on this Christmas night — 

In the rich purple light 
Round the Christ singing ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 43 



EASTER ROBINS 

Early robins came last week 

To our big red-apple tree 
Whilst I watched, but durst not speak, 

For their song was dear to me. 

And my heart was stirred and glad 
When I saw the same old three; 

I was minded of a lad 
Who had perched in that fine tree. 

Down the mossy orchard rang 

Spring's mad madrigal, set free 
As those Easter robins sang, 
"Where the storm-boimd fishers flee. 

' Bome upon our pinions strong 
We have sought this very tree; 

For unto the Staunch — belong 
The four winds, the waves and sea! 

' From a southern strand remote, 

We return again to thee 
With this message, which we quote 

In our ancient apple tree." 

Thus across Time's guarded moat 

Came atrailing from afar 
Drawn by some frail faerie boat 

A little child, who climbed — a Star! 



44 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

That grave, little boy, I was — 
Lying hid within the tree; 

Lying there so still because 

He could hear the wind's large glee- 

The chill, echoing sea-caves 

All aquake with mystery, 
And wild riot of the Waves, 

In the robin's ecstasy. 

Oh, the Song — it was more sweet 
Then that you might ever hear; 

And wide-whirring wings, more fleet 
Than swift planets in their sphere. 

Aye, sing on, my birdies sing! 

With the bee and butterfly 
Your bright, happy visions bring 

Of gay Youth, without a sigh. 

For each melting, golden note 

Hath the lilt of Love's rich plea — 

Where, in every joyous throat 
Life is holding jubilee. 

As those soaring trills find vent. 
Their true meaning burns in me — 

Lo ! 't was God's clear instrument 
That boy heard, within the tree. 

Then sing on, brave birdies, sing! 
Under these gray northern skies, 



AND OTHER POEMS 45 

Of those budding bowers in Spring 
Where the Soul — with waking eyes — 

Pauses on the Threshold, still — 
In fair childhood's fresh surprise; 

Like the homing bird, athrill 
Finding its first Paradise ! 

Early robins came last week 

Easter-feathered , cap-a-pie — 
And I watched, but could not speak, 

Neath our ancient apple tree. 



46 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



YONDER WAY 
(to a. e. r.) 

A GREENING hill Hes yonder way 
Where the Spring has just begun — 

With gold flowers in their new array, 
And there the glad winds run. 

Across the shining slopes of grass, 
Now the hawthome sheds perfume, 

The ordered shadows wheel and pass. 
The banded wild bees boom. 

When the morning dew is on the sward 
Where the may-pinks first increase 

The robin keeps his faithful guard; 
An Angel spreadeth peace. 

At night the Stars come, one by one, 
Lighting candles for the dead : 

The Moon bestows her benison, 
And God looks down o'erhead. 

One heard the voice which bids men go - 

Calling spirit to its God; 
Life's tide ebbs outward in its flow 

Where sunshine flecks the satin sod. 

Soul courageous ! thy brave eyes 
Unafraid saw death draw near — 

Though here we weep, in Paradise 
Shed never more a tear. 



AND OTHER POEMS 47 

I can but ask to be as thou 

Sleeping under that fair tree — 
So placid laid beneath the bough 

The white cross over me. 

A greening hill lies yonder way 

With gold flowers in the sun, 
Where Love was laid to sleep one day — 

For all Love's deeds are done. 

Bereaved heart, not so, not so! 

O'er the myrtle covered bed — 
Though all the blasts of winter blow, 

Each year new bloom is spread. 

I can but ask to be as thou 

On that green hill side to rest — 
So placid laid beneath the bough, 

Ended struggle, found the quest — 
With Spring, neath her regenerate trees 

Hearing heavenly harmonies. 



48 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



PEACE 

Swiftly tonight 
A spirit took flight 

Out of the city. 
Mounting on silver wings, 
Softly an angel sings, 
"Peace — God has pity." 

Lonely to-night 
I long for the sight 

Of her young beauty. 
Hark! how that angel sings, 
Soaring on salient wings, 
"Done is Life's duty." 

Coldly to-night, 
The Moon's pallid light 

Falls on the city. 
Hark! to that angel's song, 
Trailing high Heaven along, 
"Peace and God's pity." 

Softly to-night 
Eyes closed on my sight. 

Oh, cruel City. 
Soundly she fell asleep, 
But I my vigil keep. 
God grant His pity. 



AND OTHER POEMS 49 

Slowly to-night 
Back to the fight 

Of the great city 
I come broken, as a stone, 

Broken heart must break alone. 
Hark ! how that angel sings 

Mounting on snow-white wings, 
'Peace — God has pity." 

Out of the night 
Into the light 
Of the Heavenly City 
Death's sharp incision 

Opens new Vision, 
Out of the Nether World, 
Into the Other World, 
God's love and His pity. 



50 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THOSE HEAVENLY HANDS 
(to m. l. g.) 

Those heavenly hands, frail hands that pled for me, 
Are quiet now beneath the white thorn-tree; 

Peace clasps them close through many an idle day 
Of green blown boughs and drifted bloom of May, 

Till lost to love are blossoms and the bee. 

My Mother's gentle hands — which lifted me 

High as her heart to quaflf of ecstasy ! 
That taught yoimg feet to make their first essay, — 
Those heavenly hands ! 

Oh, when I kissed them last, on bended knee — 
My veins grew iced, dread grief of loss to dree; 

Hold thou my spirit still, sweet Mother pray, 
Thy son I am — and may not go astray; 

In some blest hour, dear God, give back to me 
Those heavenly hands. 



AND OTHER POEMS 51 



IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS 

Each day I take good courage in my hands 
To walk alone upon the King's highway; 

Full tithes I give to Grief in lonely lands, 
Then resolute I face the old dismay. 



And so must bear my burden all the way, 

Till God shall lift the weight of these my years, 

And touch the blinded eyes with healing clay — 
To heal for aye the scars of scorching tears. 



Lord Christ ! I know 't is best we suffer here, 
No price too high to pay for heaven's bliss! 

Oh, Thou whose Side was wounded by a spear, 
See! I have learned the scourging rod to kiss. 



Sometimes my rapt soul knows Thee watching near, 
Thy steadfast gaze piercing my heart with pain, 

Till suddenly I shrink in furtive fear 

Lest Thou shouldst find upon that soul a stain. 



Thus when most way-worn, longing for my rest, 
I see Thy stem, white figure standing here. 

And shielding arms enfold me to Thy breast. 
In shadowy semblance doth the Cross appear ! 



52 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Oh, wide the doors of Paradise then swing! 

And I behold those golden stairs all bright, 
Where Seraphs fair — to whom the Earth-freed cling — 

Draw all the weary upward towards the Light. 



AND OTHER POEMS 53 



THE KING'S LAMENT 

Flung, from the glowing crucible of Might 

That rainbow-bauble Gods call life — man found — 

As one knows not, who walks asleep in night, 
And plucks a precious jewel from the ground ; 

Unto the strife of day, and day's delight — 
Unwarned, awakened by the gongs of Sound. 

Between his ears, the gird of brazen sound — 

Aware — he shrinks — beseeching Gods of Might, 

Who heed him not — while soft, beneath the ground 
He hears the closing door 'twixt day and night ; 

The mortal thus his weakling spirit found — 

Grows its sweet flower of youth, to shed delight. 

And as the flower, that falls from its delight, 

To mourn this mystery with voice, nor sound — 

He feels the crushing power, of unknown Might, 
That bears a fruitless blossom to chill ground — 

Where its fresh odors fail, by day and night. 

Returned to earth, from whence it substance found. 

The Master-Soul, now roused in strength, hath found 
All measures of old griefs, and dead delight; 

Stem Labor's tumbril, with a hollow sound — 

That creaks with Care, down rough highwaj^s of 
Might 

To cast his prisoners in their gaol of ground — 
Whose bones, he scattereth, upon the night! 



54 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Fate brews weird draught, e'er falls the darker night - 
Mixed bitter-sweet in her deep goblets found ; 

The heart of man stirs, waking in its might — 

Then Fate's strong gates close, with a final sound ; 

That heart must droop, from all, of known delight, 
And as rose petals, wind-swept to the ground — 

Love falls from flower, sad blighted in cold ground; 

Day is fulfilled! now knows he withering night: 
Pale One, who once life's flashing bauble found — 

Lays down his gem, and goes from all delight ; 
Mailed Winds of Death their sudden bugles sound 

From off the far steeps blowing in their might. 

Nay, King! the God of Might, from burial ground — 

Calls thee, to life refound — thy soul benight, 
Informed with Light — and Trumpet Sound! 



AND OTHER POEMS 55 



THE BRIDGE BUILDERS 

We are the strong bridge-builders, 
Building the broad bridges white — 

Spanning from Paradise over 
To the land of our mildew and blight. 

And the stream of man's endless endeavor 
Flows imder the footsteps of Light — 

Our bridges shall carry them over 
To the luminous day, from the night. 

We are the high bridge-builders 

Building its arches aright — 
Poets and Painters, and lovers 

Of Music that soars and hovers 
Farther than bird on its flight ! 

We build for the souls of the sages 
Who strive for the portals of Light — 

We build through the numberless ages 
For the martyr, and mailed knight. 

We are the strong bridge-builders, 
Building the bridges of Might — 

And the Stream struggles over and imder. 
That forever sweeps on, out of sight. 



56 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

We build for the Rainbow-lovers 
The dream which forever is bright; 

And endless the throng that discovers 
The fabulous Shores of Delight. 



AND OTHER POEMS 57 



MAKER OF BRICKS 

Maker of bricks am I — 
But the clay for my bricks hath gone dry, 

My kiln is all cold 

And a broken mold 
Maketh no bricks for a Palace high. 

How shall clay vitrify? 
If the worker his trade doth bely — 

When the kiln is cold 

And ruined the mold 
When the great Builder looks from on high? 

Maker of bricks am I — 
And I sweat, with sore many a sigh, 

For Labor is old 

As a tale oft told, 
Though, to make bricks for a Palace high. 

Arduous trade we ply — 
At the kilns, neath the hot, brazen sky; 

I toil on the road 

Where my masters goad 
Me, for sound bricks, for the Palace high. 

Awkward workman am I — 
But when this, my good clay, is put by, 

I '11 lay down my load 

On the heavenly road 
Leading up, to the fair Palace high. 



58 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Master of men, I cry! 
Light my kiln from the "Light" of the sky — 
A Prophet's wise word 
Long ago we've heard, 
"Deeds which ne'er die — build thy Palace high!' 

Though the clay hath gone dry 
Broken the mold, and bom of a sigh 

Lo ! Labor is old 

As a tale oft told — 
Make I hard bricks, for that Palace high. 



AND OTHER POEMS 59 



P^AN OF PAIN 

I DWELL with Pain, 
Strange bedfellow, Pain ! 
With kisses was I bought — 
(His kiss of bitter bane) ; 
In travail have I brought 

The child of Pain. 



Possessed am I by Pain, 
The wondrous lover, Pain ! 
My lips he early sought 
In the burdened nights of rain ; 
He builds and brings to naught — 

His high purpose to attain. 



I '11 fill a beaker up 
To Pain ! who hath me taught 
To mix, and pour, and sup 
Of the philtre he hath wrought. 

In the magic of his cup. 



Children of Pain! 
Our God shall make ye worth 

The heritage of Pain; 
Through dolor and through dearth, 
And the Sword's red, leaping stain. 
Till conquered heaven and earth — 
On the Heights — ye shall remain. 



60 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

What was hidden and unsought, 
What in silence thou wast taught 
In each pang of death and birth, 
To the soul is priceless worth — 
All the treasure of the earth. 

For our lives are not in vain 
If we count our golden gain, 

Transmuted by the touch 

Of the great Magician, Pain ! 
Though we love and lose so much 

Let us lift a toasting cup; 
Brimming full, then fill it up 

Till it overflow again — 

To Pain! to Pain! 

To the great Magician, Pain ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 61 



THE PSALM OF WOMEN 

Thou, O God! hast assembled my bones 
And stretched my sinews ; 
Thou hast knitted my nerves, 
And filled the blood vessels that thirst; 
Thou hast said "Open!" 
And mine eyes beheld the veiled Mystery 
Of Life. 

Thou spreadest a Song upon the Winds, 
And gavest me ears to hear withal; 
Thou hast placed a sweet savor in my mouth, 
And hast smitten my tongue to speech; 
Thou hast bridged my nose with a high arch 
That I may inhale the fragrances 
Of many flowers. 

Thou madest me a body out of Nothingness — 
Modeling the limbs of thy creation, 
Breathing upon it — Beauty! 
My hair is as fine gold between thy palms ; 
Winged with fire — my feet are made glad. 
Spurning the clod. 

My loins Thou rivest asunder 

To bring forth the man-child after my kind : 

Most wonderful art Thou, O God! 

Blessing me with Spirit and Soul, 

Thou hast plucked me from the Air, 

The Earth, and the Water! 



62 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Holding me in Thy hollow hand 
Thou hast shapen my members ; 
Causing me to know this World 
And, to anguish for the Other! 

Thou leadest me ! 

For — my place in not here — 

But with Thee, Master blender and builder, 

Blessed art Thou! 
Who hast commanded me from out the Void, 

And hast named me 
Woman. 



AND OTHER POEMS 63 



THE PUZZLE 

On my birthday, a Friend brought me 
A puzzle, oddly shaped and gay, 
To wile some tedious hour away. 
Of queer unnumbered pieces was it made 
All in a beauteous pattern to be laid. 
With careful mien and anxious frown 
Hesitating — I bent down 
To solve the puzzle that was made for man 
Since this World was — and Time began. 
"Ah! I can fit these colored shapes!" I cried, 
And leaped upon my task with pride. 

As I the many sided pieces turned, 

My thoughts marched forward and Ambition burned, 

For Life was spread out to my hand. 

To mar or make, to build or brand. 

But soon I saw the first piece of the plan was laid, 

For all things fitted ; as in school 

The Scholar makes a map — and keeps a rule. 

A small piece — Innocence, flower- white 

And sweetly shaped, there caught my sight. 

Then many pieces of bright tints as youth advanced 

Fitted so well where e'er I glanced. 

Oh, one was Love — dear vision from above. 
And heart stirred, I saw young Mothers bending 
O'er infants' cradles — softly tending. 
Then darker shapes all heaped up high 
I looked upon with an impatient eye. 



64 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Ah, these were meant not to be fitted here 
Within this picture radiant and dear, 
But soon I found the intricate embraced 
And in the lighter pieces all enlaced, 
For so the puzzle well begun 
Grew daily, from sun up, till set of sun. 

Then days of darkness and distress drew on 
When no piece met my hand, 
To fit in place, save a dark strand 
Where strange shapes were en wrought, 
Till I looked on distraught, 
At Fate, silent weaving at her loom. 
And then I saw the heroes of the world 
Whose days were early shed, 
Who gave themselves as heritage to the tomb. 
"Oh, Life is beautiful," I cried. "Unending. 
Who loses life, to save a life, to fuller life shall blow. " 

For thus the meaning vague I find. 

The pieces duller grew, the twisted mind, 

Crime, penury and woe. 

Fit here (dear God, I fear). 

And Murder's blackened Shape awry 

Flecked deep with red (dear God, I sigh). 

The empurpled Sphere of Pain, 

The grey one of pale Tears, 

On this side mark a shadow deep 

And heavy as the years 

That I have spent, to make this problem plain. 



AND OTHER POEMS 65 

"Oh, then shall Man despair?" 

"Nay, for the shadows make the sunlight fair." 

And this the puzzle that was given to Man, 

Life's intricate and many sided plan. 

When the last piece is laid in place. 

So shall the dark hues, with the bright, enlace, 

That Panorama set for God, 

So beautiful shall seem, 

That all is good, and naught is rude, 

That lives and moves upon this Sod, 

For splendid is Life's Scheme. 



66 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



WHO HATH GREAT LOVE 

Who hath great love 
Reareth his cross upon a lone, dark hill 

Where the lion prowls, and jackal hath his will; 
But he must kneel and worship still. 

Who hath great love 
Poureth his strength out in a crimson stream 

Building a temple of the star and gleam 
Where but the eyes of heaven look down; 
And wears Christ's blood red crown — 
Still would I dream. 

Who hath great love, 
The lily and the passion flower entwined 

His pallid temples bind ; 
For where the fallen red-rose bleeds, 
Are borne upon the Wind 
Love's fruitless seeds — 
Yet would I know Love's needs. 

Who hath great love, 
Raiseth a tower where the winds unmake, 

Walleth his garden where lieth hid the snake, 
Lifteth streaming eyes to a viewless God — 
Yet would I bear Love's rod. 

Who hath great love 
Gives all and ever gives; 
Dieth a million deaths, and dying lives; 



AND OTHER POEMS 67 

For heaven is won where Hfe recedes; 

Yet would I do Love's deeds. 

Who hath great love 
Hath neither peace nor rest, 
But struggle in the breast ; 
Giveth with open hands 
Walketh in barren lands 
No star above ! 

Still go I on Love's quest 

Seeking the supreme test — 
Then tie me with Love's strong bands 

Hold me with Love's firm hands 
Until the day of rest ! 



68 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



LOVE 

Oh, wonderful art thou — most gracious Love 
Lifting the mind to higher planes, above 
Our thought — seeking large gifts unbought 

Of days all glorious : 
How fleet are thy beginnings, 
How swift thy sultry sinnings, 

In ways so wearisome: 
How strong art thou, O Love ! 
Wrong to overthrow, how high thy song, 
And to what lower levels 

Of fiery revels 
Strong souls descend : 
Though each weareth unafraid — 
Thine — accolade. 
Higher is love than heaven, 
And deeper than the grave. 
Wider than the World, and broader than the Sun, 
Uplifting and rifting, until thy will is done. 
A Song, a burning word — 
Pangs and fire and sword 

To thee belong 
To conquer with, O Love ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 69 



To A. C. S. 

Like to the clash of importunate swords 
His jeweled words 
Smote the tense air; 
My cowl of Care 
Aside, I tossed, 
To see pale passion, won and lost — 
Whipped Life stripped bare. 

"Alas, dear Love, 
Sore woimded dove! 
And art Thou naught but this?" 

I cried — 
"The beauty of a satin side, 
The fever fashioned in a kiss?" 
Ah, no, above 
The transport, bliss — 
There shines a star. 
Which leads men far 
Through sultry ways 
Of darkened days. 
To where the Blessed are ; 
And there, upon His Father's breast 
Leans Love who knows the Quest. 
For Love hath wings 
To soar o'er terrene things; 
His eyes shed tears 
For this, man's fears; 



70 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

His heart is tenderness, 

Not cruelty; 
He knows the soiil's distress, 
Its penalty: 

Love is not self 

Nor pelf. 
But Holiness 
That blessing gives; 
And dying, yet forever lives 
In spiritual worthiness; 

Undying seed 
Of life that bleeds. 
Recedes — 
All for a whole world's needs; 

For Love is love indeed, 
And dwelleth evermore 
Upon the crystal shore of Paradise; 

Proud Love hath wings 
To soar o'er mundane things! 

And so, I closed the painted book; 
To hide a troubled look 
Put on my cowl of Care, 
Seeking the purer air; 

Then high. 
This challenge I let fly; 
"Master of wondrous art, 

Thou standest far apart, 
From Love — we know not where- 



AND OTHER POEMS 71 

His flight doth mount 
Into the quenchless Fount. 
'T is there He preens his strong white wings 

And deathless sings!" 



72 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



To O. W. 

Since his first youth 
He had been serf to Thee, 

Mysterious Love! 
Fawning on wounded knee 

Through anguished hours — 
From out a blood red sheaf 

In faerie bud and leaf, 
He bound for Thee a wreath 

Of scarlet passion-flowers. 
Ere fell their withered sheath 
In ruined bowers. 

He saw Thee in thy naked truth. 
High Lord of Destiny ! 
His world above, 
Gazing into the eyes of agony — 
Oh, terrible, and stern and dumb. 
With palHd lips withdrawn — 
Mute beckoning — Come! 
For Thou art the soul's still breath 
Mysterious Love, 
The cymbal and the shawm; 
Twin spirit of all joy, all grief, 
Wizard of unbelief 
Juggling with death. 

Thou Master-builder — 

Brooder of the tribes which melt 

Under the burning sun. 



AND OTHER POEMS 73 

Where is there such another 

Nathless of ruth — 
Though Sorrow is thy twin brother ? 

From Crucifixion tree 
Where once, two thieves hung limb by hmb, 
Pale Love looks down on him 

Whose theft is done. 



74 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



MAHALA! O MAHALA! 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
I am goaded by desire, 
My soul it yearneth to thee 

And ever draweth nigher. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Thou art like a lotus flower; 
My hand hath reached to pluck thee 
And hold thee in its power. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Thy burning eyes — at night 
Like two distant stars of evening — 
Are my sorrow and delight. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Lift the curtain of thy hair 
Each tress, a serpent stings me 
And keeps me swooning there. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Dark lily of despair 
Thou strangleth with a strand of it — 
That long and lustrous hair. 

Mahala! Mahala! 
I am goaded by desire 
My Yaghatan could slay thee 
If that would bring thee nigher. 



AND OTHER POEMS 75 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Thou art like the water gourd 

To thirsting lips, 

When desert-ships 
Are frugal of their hoard. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
The Bedouin's steed waits near — 
His bridle hangeth on his neck, 

He snorteth in his fear. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
The strength of my desire 
Is as a flood that followeth 
And ever mountcth higher. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
A flash, the deed is done; 
The Turk hath fallen on his face 

The lotus flower is won ! 
For I would wear the lily's grace 
That leans too near the Sun ! 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Now we are brought to ride 
Upon the desert billows, 

Sahara's shifting tide. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
I '11 pluck thee, brightest Star 



76 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Sweet flower of night, 
For my delight 
Where e'er my rich tents are. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Till flowers the rose of dawn, 

We'll fly the foe 

As swift we go, 
Far fleeter than the fawn — 

Red wounds betide 

The blackened hide, 
Of the Slave that follows on ! 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
The anklets, jewel set — 
Thy Lord hath laid before thee. 

He bids thee to forget; 
See! rubies rare. 

For breast and hair, 
(Thy breast is rarer yet.) 

Mahala! Mahala! 
Where the crescent pearl is set 
In the silence I shall heal thee 
Thou shalt stifle all regret. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
When the stars leap up the sky. 

And beneath thy tenting tresses 
Even Love shall cease to sigh, 



AND OTHER POEMS 77 

Lo! thy Lord with his caresses 
Proves his love that shall not die. 

Mahala! O Mahala! 
Like to the Hindu pyre — 

Soars ever bright 

A stream of light, 
The flame of my desire. 



78 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE WHITE NUN — GABRIELLE 

Here in the light a strange, still radiance grows — 
Bright flower of youth, the White nun, Gabrielle; 

That in her Cloister burgeons as the rose 

Through sun and dew, in quiet peace to dwell ; 

And like a flower, doth pearly sweets disclose 
More than the tongues of earthly lovers tell. 

The nightingale, some moon-flecked night, may tell. 
Perchance, the secret of how Beauty grows, 

In arbors dim, amidst whose branches dwell 
Love's birds of song; for as the lovely rose 

Uplifts to heaven, the young nun, Gabrielle, 
Lifts her clear eyes, that beauteous thoughts disclose. 

Where circling arcs of God in flames disclose, 
Mayhap solution is, if Love should tell 

Her pattern, and how subtle-sweet she grows; 

For on her mouth. His finger-print doth dwell — 

The petaled perfume of the enchanting rose 
In silence folds the heart of Gabrielle. 

Unto the soul of virgin Gabrielle 

Love promised once His mystery to disclose, 
Nor half of joy nor half of pain would tell; 

How, evermore His woven wonder grows 
Though in the breast He needs small space to dwell. 

(Thus in its bosom, bee hides in the rose!) 



AND OTHER POEMS 79 

And all of joy, delight, hides in this rose, 

Life's flower of youth, the White nun, Gabrielle — 

That in the cloister, vital, blooming grows, 
And as the rose, doth tale of beauty tell — 

Which fears nor fades, whose perfumes still disclose 
Though shadow may sometime on roses dwell. 

Oh, should The Shadow sweep where flowers dwell 
Unshrinking, as the garden's radiant rose. 

No more of earth, were known of Gabrielle — 

There, where Love's royal, fadeless bowers disclose. 

His kiss upon her lips, at last she'd tell 
That secret which she keeps, how Beauty grows! 

Teach us, how grows the Word of Love to dwell 

Therein, secure Gabrielle! pure fragrance which the 
Rose 
Doth silently disclose — for thou — couldst tell! 



80 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE AWAKENING 

If Love, when we awaken 
From death's enchanted slumber, 
Out of the earth-dream taken 
Upon some high star-strand, 
Glad cherubim no eye may number 
Shall greet us in a morning land, 
And you shall come to meet me, heaven's blisses like 

a brand 
Of flaming lusters blazing round you, youngest Seraph 
of the band, 
A newer Orb, from darker night arisen 
Riving the clod which is the Soul's cold prison. 
Then I shall understand. 

Life's devious ways — 
Its wonder and its rapture, bleak and broken days, 
O Love, that knows no future in this tangled maze; 
If, to your eyes in Paradise I waken, 

Yea, I shall understand 
The crux of our assuageless yearning — 
How the planets from God's hand 
Seem great burnished blossoms shaken, 
Their swinging lamps of incense burning 
Aye, to Day and Night returning; 

And at His large demand. 
Death's bleak sea breaks in thunder 

Till leash-held Worlds disband. 
Each driven to doom thereunder — 
At His iron reprimand. 



AND OTHER POEMS 81 

For we shall know 
How first the bourgeoning rose doth blow; 
The Source of mighty rivers; the diapason of the Sea; 
And why mankind travaileth 
(Each derelict that saileth) 
Unto Eternity! 

When imto Light we waken, 
Your lips shall silence all my questioning of Woe; 
Then lost, white Angel! 
Teach me thy sweet evangel, 
And these cross-roads forsaken. 

Out of long torment taken 
The Spirit's strange thirst slaken: 
From This, arising 
Unto a Peace surprising. 
Joyous I shall go! 



82 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE VOICE 

PRELUDE 

One, walking alone, heareth a wild melody, unknowing 
— and crieth upon Love — who answereth. 

O Love ! O Love ! I hear 

A song, so sweet and clear, 
Falling like a golden flail, 

Smiting all the bosky dale. 

The Voice. 

It is the lovely nightingale. 

Nay, not the nightingale, O Love! 

But some divine song from above, 
By angels, clothed in heavenly mail. 

Clasping asphodels, all pale — 
Transfused, with burning lusters white, 
Whose perfume of Man's lost delight 

Drifts throughout the beauteous vale. 

The Voice. 

'Tis but the lonely nightingale. 

Love ! that flight doth steer 

Where dreams a lilied meer, 
While sinks, and swells, like silver bells, 

Weird melody, far o'er the fells 
Forever in the heart it dwells! 



AND OTHER POEMS 83 

The Voice. 

Telling her mysterious tale, 
It is the soaring nightingale. 

O Love ! O Love ! I hear 

The whimperings of Fear — 
A sudden gale shakes all the dale. 

The Voice. 

There fails the wounded nightingale. 

O Love ! I hear, I hear 

Full many a falling tear, 
And storms that rail o'er the torn sail. 

The Voice. 

Nay, Child, it is the nightingale. 

O Love ! those saddened notes 

Like sobs from women's throats- — 
Yea, mourners frail, beneath a veil! 

The Voice. 

Hid in her tree, wails nightingale. 

O Love! those cries so desolate! 

They pierce the stars, which scintillate 
In pallid fire, and never tire. 

When Cynthia rides, and seeks and hides — 
Above the vale. 



84 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

The Voice. 

For her lost mate, grieves nightingale. 

O Love! I hear, I hear 

That song without a peer — 
Of bliss, of pangs, of fear, 

That riven soul doth tear 
With ecstacy, despair! 

All rapture and all fire 
Which doth from heaven suspire, 

Smote from a Seraph's lyre — 
The Voice, of Thy Desire! 

The Voice. 

Making other music stale, 

Hark ! the wondrous nightingale ! 

O Love ! I needs must fear 

Thy griefs austere — 
My heart is bound, by a wild spell. 

Grave melodies of heaven and hell — 
Strange Mystic — singing in the dale — 

The Voice. 

Lo — 'tis, lost Eden's nightingale! 



AND OTHER POEMS 85 



THE PURPLE HELLEBORE 

Resplendent still — the moonbeams quiver 

On the surface of this river, 
Which doth reflect the star-strown floor 

Of thy new heaven, Elinore ! 

See ! where the bending rushes shiver, 

All the star-lit reach of river 
Is fringed with purple hellebore. 

Though late, autumnal winds are sore. 

Like some rathe, waxen bud, unclosing, 

Idly floating, deep reposing. 
Dumb, drifting, from the wind-bound shore- 

'T was thus I found thee, Elinore. 

In the enchanted, moon-light floating — 
All this sad Stream softly doting 

On my white lily's golden core, 
The virgin lily — Elinore! 

So pale and peaceful thou wert lying. 

Whilst the melancholy crying 
Of one lone bittern by the shore, 

Was thy last requiem, Elinore! 

Sweet! thou wert young — so soon outgoing 
On the flood tides seaward flowing 

To that far bourne, unknown before 
Of thy blithe spirit — Elinore! 



86 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Now — all of Earth in me forgiven — 

Dost thou dream of me, in heaven, 
As thy true lover evermore — 

lily maiden — Elinore? 

Or hath a Seraph-lover taught thee 

In his glory, to forget me, 
His richer ritual to explore. 

My angel maiden, Elinore? 

When full the Moon's great golden quiver 
Where the whispering sedges shiver, 

Once Love translated faerie lore 

That now no tongue can e'er restore. 

Oh, could I find that long lost Aiden 
In the breast of my dead maiden, 

Again, beside our secret Shore, 
We 'd pluck the purple hellebore. 

For never shall the moonbeams quiver 

On a starlit reach of river 
Where booms the bittern, as of yore, 

But, soft, will open Memory's door. 

And like a waxen bud, unclosing, 

Idly floating, deep reposing, 
Dumb, drifting from the wind-bound shore, 

1 shall behold thee, Elinore! 



AND OTHER POEMS 87 



THE MAGIC WREATH 

Here, the water-nixies bound thee, 
And with water-laurel crowned thee, 

With their garlands green as beryl. 
As the lotus-lilies, peril 

Closed about thy body bright. 

Thus the grief of death enwound me, 
For its waves for aye surround thee. 

And my life seems vain and sterile, 
Dreaming ever of hid peril 

Where the lotus bloom is white. 

Still, this shadowed pool before me, 
Like a magic-mirror shows me 

Thy pale beauty crowned with beryl, 
Midst green wreaths, and woven peril 

Of the lilies, in the night. 

Winding wreaths of water-laurel, 

Lo! I hear the pixies quarrel 
With the fays, that searching, found thee. 

And with arais of welcome round thee 
Bore thee sleeping — far from sight. 



THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE GNARLED OLD APPLE-TREE 

There is a slant-hill, rising toward the sunset 
Where western winds are winging free; 

There is an Apple-tree, which crowns the summit, 
A gnarled and sturdy apple-tree ! 



The long, long shining slope is hung with hare-bells 

All bluer blowing than the sea — 
And robin's raptured throat with fierce, wild joy swells, 

While singing in that apple-tree. 



Upon its branches, rose and snow were drifted, 

(A fitting bower made for thee), 
'T was there, the sands of Time we sadly sifted, 

(Gnarled was the bole — Yea! like to me.) 



Your face you turned from me, against the sunset. 

As I went downward to the sea — 
Forever seeking, never have I found yet. 

The Treasure lost beneath that tree! 



When overhead the rose-white stars are sifted, 
A dream — I see you turn from me — 

With rose and snow upon its branches drifted, 
I seek again that apple-tree. 



AND OTHER POEMS 89 

Where western Winds go marching in the sunset, 

Like some old Anchoret may be — 
Still that lone apple-tree guards on the summit 

The steep approaches from the sea. 



90 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



WHEN THE WINDS OF WINTER BLOW 

When the winter winds are blowing 

Frozen snows, their pearls are sowing, 
Sad to hear are cattle lowing. 



Poor blind beasts, unknown, unknowing, 

Dream they of the summer glowing. 
And the reaper at his mowing ? 

Or of some cool river flowing, 

As they stand neath branches blowing, 
Patient beasts of God, unknowing? 

Where like miser's gold, are showing. 

On the edges by the sedges 
Yellow cowslips blithely blowing? 

Hear they still the young herbs growing. 

Tender shoots on them bestowing 
Though the bitter winds are blowing ? 

Till, along the river towing 

Worn old barges, on the marges, 
Pass the men and maidens rowing ! 

Beasts of God! unknown, unknowing. 

Sad the sound of their sad lowing 
When white snows, like pearls, are strowing, 



AND OTHER POEMS 91 

All the pastures, and the blowing, 

Winter winds, freeze rivers flowing, 
Sad to hear are cattle lowing ! 



92 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE SIGNAL 

Hark! I hear in the distance a sighing, 
And a hoof's muffled beat — as of yore 

All the Wilderness voices are crying, 
"Return, to the ultimate shore!" 

Where I made from a reed for my pleasure, 
A rude pipe, whose soft exquisite strain 

Held the lost note of Arcady's measure — 
Untouched of life's madness and pain. 

Under cedars, and tamarac tangle, 

I shall quaff an elixir divine, 
Trodden out all the world's fret and jangle — 

And sweet as Falernian wine. 

Neath the gnarled, rough-woven, bough-rafter 
In hoar forests, of tall spruce and pine, 

Loud I '11 shout, in hale Homeric laughter. 
As glad as the God of the Vine. 

I shall sleep to the mumurous lapping 
Of bland waves, that caress the pale sand. 

And the sound of a wood-pecker tapping 
The Sentinel-birch, by the strand. 

And the timorous stag I shall follow. 

Though he 's fleet as the vanishing wind — 



AND OTHER POEMS 93 

Disappearing down in the deep hollow 
Which dips, where the free trail goes blind. 

Winged is my feathered sharp arrow, 

Speeding true, from the strong-bow malign, 

Shrill it sings, as it searches his marrow, 
He falls ! and the red deer is mine ! 

Up ! Away ! I am fain to be turning 

Where I '11 stand, at Earth's wide outer door, 

And translate my vexed dreams into burning 
Rich runes, of a mystical lore. 

Out of berried thorn-bushes and bracken, 
Hoofed Satyrs crowd close to my knee. 

Swift unbind they — and bound muscles slacken. 
The Voice — I hear, calling to me — 

That is urging, canoe from its cover. 

While it signals, my soul, from the Wild — 

Lo! I come — with the haste of a lover. 
And the eager, sure steps of a child ! 



94 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE PLACE OF HIS HEART 

Though he had journeyed so far, so late, 
He found the little postern gate, 

With the scroll overhead — 
Hark! what sighed, as he read, 
"To Arden, now welcome whoever ye be": 
Oh, one blood-red rose, from her flaming cup. 
Shed a tear for lost Eden, whilst she looked up, 
And trembled at Fate's decree; 
As he entered that gorgeous garden 
Which leans to the sapphire sea, 
Old ivy that follows the grey, rock wall, 
And rich rhododendron tree 
Heard the wild bird answer his wild heart's call, 
Voicing the ancient plea. 

On these paths where he wandered 'twixt Pride and 
Love 
Ere manhood set him free. 
Prizing the power, of Place above. 
Youth's wonderful ecstacy: 
Yellow broom fringes the seaward side 
Where the copper cliff drops to the sea. 
Rambler rose and rose of the bride 
Broider the grill, and the pansy pied; 
" Lady Dorchester," thrall of the patched, brown moth. 

Forever pledging to her his troth; 
And like pale ghosts flickering under the trees. 
Honied white fox-glove, freckled and tall, 



AND OTHER POEMS 95 

Beloved of marauder bees, 
Yearn for the snows at the Peak's Divide. 

And berryless holly at bend of the fall 
Where the jasmines blow, though roses cease 
(For banished days, reminders all). 
Watch the galleons glad that outward go. 
Dreaming of ships, that forever bide, 
As they linger, and Hsten to the hammering Tide 
Forging the grief, of the turbulent seas, 
And like wind-bells, swayed on the landward breeze. 
Tall alien Palms, on high terraces, whispering sibilant 
Psalms, 
Till curving crescent, and pointed star 
Peer forth in the west, o'er black break-water bar. 
And the hot soul calms, midst eve's dews and balms, 
Visioning home — where the vanished are. 

Thus his longing was lulled, unto still repose. 

As he dreamed, by that sapphire sea. 
And the blossom's breath, the flame of the rose, 

Was as breath of Her breath — 
And deep as the sea, full brighter than grows 
Living light of the stars, were her eyes — 
In those gardens, which bloom, all scatheless of death 

On the borders of Paradise; 
While the moon sailed high, o'er its silvery main, 
Like perfimies of flowers set free — 
That hour was emptied of olden pain. 
When he pressed the roses apart. 
Till he found the place of his heart again 
He found the place of his heart. 



96 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



HOW FAREST THOU? 

How f arest thou, Sweet ? adown the crystal fosses 
Past Azrael's asphodels of living bloom — 

Lured from the angels unseen, through velvet mosses 
To seek again — the entrance to the tomb. 

Oh, lily-pale lady! now the garden dozes, 
And every bee is drowsing in its bower 

Eve's solace spreaded — in the dim cloister-closes. 
Till to the night-wind leans each languid flower. 

And our tall plumed Pine his darkened feather tosses 
Round empty seats; the bats like goblins cower 

Above the fountain; violet dusk embosses 

Dream-peristyle, and plinth, and terrace tower. 

In deepened shade, where marble Clytie poses. 
Sheds nightingale her silver song's thin shower; 

Come! tread thou softly, lest thy bereaved roses 
Awake, and weeping, know their lonely hour! 

Across the smooth sward, ere full, the moonlight crosses 
On satin tip-toe steal, lest my Heart awake! 

Breathe there no whisper, else for lost Eden's losses 
Lamenting, it might hear thee, and would break. 



AND OTHER l^OEMS 97 



Tllli MIRRORED MOON 

In this dark, deceitful river, 
Through the hnden branches leaninj:? 
Stares the Moon, as in a mirror. 

Leans and looks, deep in the river. 
As one seeks for hidden meanin^^ 
In a pale face, lonely lc;aning. 

While dim jj;hastly shades convening;, 
Drift across the silver mirror 
Of the shining, silent river. 

From the silver water gleaning 
Some faint light, of some far river. 
Where another Moon is leaning. 

High, briglit Algol intervening, 
As within a tripple mirror, 
Shining, like this silver water. 

Mother Night, tlie young Stars weaning, 
To their craflle-clouds convening — 
Shadow falls, upon the river. 

Neath the lacey lindens, screening: 
All the silent water gleaning 
Gleams, and glimpses as a mirror. 
7 



98 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Swung within a lattice, screening — 
Shows the moon upon the river, 
Curved reflection there careening. 

Till mysterious Midnight, spleening — 
Darkens all that silver Mirror, 
Lost ! the pale face, sadly teening. 

Beyond all power, of mind, or meaning, 
Is the wonder of this mirror, 
Made for Beauty — lonely leaning. 



AND OTHER POEMS 99 



THERE IS A BIRD WHICH SINGS 

There is a bird which sings 
And preens his purple wings 
Before the Manna-Tree 
Throughout Eternity — 
That wails sweet melody 
Above the doom of Hell — 
With golden beak, 
And swift enchanted tongue to speak 
Such raptures as were never known 

By mortals here, who dwell; 
Sad with the Earth- Wind's moan, 
And the Deep's immensity. 

Hjmining before the Jasper Throne 
Of towering Majesty — 
Where God's great stars are sown — 
There is a bird that wails 

Enravished tales 
Of wondrous melody, 
That with set silver sails 
Soaring, wings the seas remote 
Of liquid Song — who with exquisite throat 
Poureth undying out. His passion, 
In deathless fashion. 

Too dazzling for human eyes. 
That bird of Paradise — 
From his enchanted beak 
For aye doth speak — 



100 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Strange music of Love's high sphere - 
Strained of all men's fear, 
Minted of selfless tear, 

Smiting as with a rod 
Within the Ear of God! 



AND OTHER POEMS 101 



THE SILVER, SAILING SWANS 

Behold the silver, sailing swan ! 

With curd- white wings and silver tread, 

Pale Beauty's perfect paragon — 

Before the satin lotus bed 

The sparkling river-drops they shed; 

An irridescent shadow flecks 

The arching marvel of their necks, 

As, streaming down the water side 

With graceful, preening perks and pecks, 

The snowy cohort takes the tide. 

Now, pacing like a Spanish Don 

Who holdeth high his haughty head — 

Down b}^ the castle wall anon. 

The water-folk pause to be fed 

With goodly gift of wheaten bread; 

For where the ilex-shadow checks 

The water-stair, with purple specks. 

And lazy lapping ripples ride — 

With curtesies and nods and becks 

The snowy cohort takes the tide. 

And while the sun above them shone 

Within the Sky far overhead, 

Full whiter than the lilies wan — 

Lo ! trailing like a silver thread, 

Adown the distance vanished 

The mute white swan, that nothing recks, 



102 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

When pacing on his sliding decks — 
A perfect pageantry of pride 
The snowy cohort takes the tide. 

Prince — how the purple shadow flecks 
The arching marvel of their necks, 
That sway and bend from side to side- 
With many a flutter, nod, and beck. 
The snowy cohort takes the tide ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 103 



THE STYGIAN SWANS 

The Stygian Swans now take the tide 
With all an Emperor's purple pride, 
To cleave the lake, where lilies flake 
Reflected shadows of the brake 
With cups of pearl; 
And blue flags furl 
Their banners where the kittiwake 
Sweeps down the quiet water side. 
Oh! See the great, imperial Swans, 
Magnificent black paragons — 
That Nero once, in days by gone 

Fed at the marble basins' brink — 
Ah! Here Water-Gods leaned low to drink. 

Black as the pampered panther-pet 
On which Caligula was set — 

Behold the great imperial Swans! 
Proud Nature's perfect paragons. 

What 's in the color of the skin ? 
So living beauty bides therein — 
The Soul of man a paragon — 

Even as the high and lordly Swan ! 
Or white or black 
There shall not lack, 

As, sailing on the heavenward track, 
The silver surface of that Sea 



104 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Is ruffled by the wings of Ye — 

And onward sails the eternal Soul 
Till black, and white, are both made whole. 



AND OTHER POEMS 105 



POSEIDON'S STEEDS 

Oh, hark to the furious tramping 
Of the strong Sea-horses ! 

With wild tumult ramping 
Down low, barren reaches 

Of the worn sea-beaches. 

Where the Storm-King courses. 

Now watch them! high up-rearing- 
Monstrous white Sea-horses! 

All the pained shore fearing, 
All her shells, and leeches — 

As the rude gale screeches 
Over ravished torses. 

Poseidon, fierce — obeying, 

Hear the fabled Morses 
Roar, beneath his flaying, 

Whilst with fiery speeches 
Urging them, he teaches — 

Leaping drifting corses. 

Oh, hear the charge resounding 

Of the rapid horses ! 
Through bleak tempest pounding, 

Mounting broken beaches 
Though ruined shore beseeches 

Peace ! from their rough forces. 



106 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Close to the land are wheeling 

Mournful albatrosses 
Down the night-rack reeling — 

On those distant reaches 
Where a lost ship breaches 

And red rocket crosses! 

Come, mark the Winds — untying 

All the tethered horses ! 
Shoal-reef take they flying, 

Trampling on bare beaches 
That bruised wreck, which impeaches 

What the storm indorses. 

Yea — I shall hear the tramping 

Of the Ocean-horses — 
When gyves of life un clamping, 

Soul from body passes 
And the eye-ball glasses; 

Lone, my sailor bleaches 
On those far, dun reaches 

Till, Poseidon stern — unhorses' 



AND OTHER POEMS 107 



BREAKING WAVES 

Rouse thee, O Wave! to break, and rise, and break — 
Deep bosomed beaches to thy touch awake 

And wait the wave they knew, in swift return, 
But never more, of that same wave partake. 

Break ! for the wave which breaks may yet rebound 
In might to overflow some higher ground ! 

Nor fail of rapture — for the least that wake 
Of all its creatures, know that heaven profound. 

Yearns o'er the lapsing wave in starry fire ! 

For breaking, still the wave may yet aspire; 
And breaking hearts may breaking bum, till slake 

The fervid fevers of age-old desire. 

High hearts and waves, to hour of breaking come. 
Break Heart! break Wave! none knows the heavy 
sum 

Of all thy breakings — when the Winds unmake! 
Nor purpose — the eternal Gods are dumb. 

Strive Heart! and conquer, like the storming wave! 

Held in thy depths, as in a deep sea-cave 
Thy jewel Faith, enlightening each heart-ache. 

Gleams through the murk — that gem, the great Gods 
gave. 



108 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

We shall be glad — of all the waves that run — 

(High hearts and waves) when long heart-break is 
done, 

Though striving on — fleet Waves! ye fuse and slake, 
To molten melt — beneath a molten sun! 

Oh, Heart of man! Thou — art a pulsing sea! 

Nor rest nor peace hath any part in Thee — 
Thy lot is with the breaking waves — to break, 

Till all of This — whelms in Eternity. 



AND OTHER POEMS 109 



LIFE'S TRAMPLED BLOOM 

Across a field of peaceful poppies blown 
I heard the pained Wind — which grieves alone; 
With visor closed, rude War 
The ground had strown 
With trampled bloom, bright as those poppies bore. 

Upon a field of blood-red poppies sown 
With faces white as is the burial stone, 
I saw the harrowed Dead 
Like flowers strown 
When day is done, and all of love is said. 



How long shall women weep dure pangs of birth ? 
Their empty arms sore wasted from hope's dearth, 
On that cold, dreadful morn 
When War to earth 
Strikes youth in its ftill siunmer, like the com ! 



Still up on high the Sun sat on his throne ; 

Whilst from its scabbard flashed the Sword, full 
grown 
To War's great two-edged blade 
Which layeth prone 
Life's youthful bloom, more red than poppies made. 



no THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Then saw I hosts of misty phantoms rise 

From that flood-field; and in strange, altered guise 
They slowly passed from sight 
To Paradise 
By God's eyes upward drawn into the light. 



AND OTHER POEMS 111 



THE SOLDIERS' SONG 

Long we've caroused together, 

My friend! 
In blythe or boisterous weather 
The Gods might choose to send. 

Aye ! we have drained together, 

Good friend ! 
Life's blood-red wine — and whether 
We drained a bitter blend. 

For we have slept together, 

Old friend! 
In soft beds, or in leather. 
Armed, ready to defend. 

Yea ! we have grieved together, 

Good friend! 
And buried under heather 
With tears, the fallen friend. 

So let us drink together. 

Old friend! 
Laugh lightly (though a feather 
The Wind may rend). 

Once, we sought Love together, 
Good friend 1 



112 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

One maid we loved, and whether 
She frowned — did still contend. 

When Fate unties Life's tether, 

My friend! 
May we meet Death together. 
Together make an end ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 113 



MY OWN PEOPLE SMOKE THE PIPE OF PEACE 

My own people smoke the Pipe of Peace, 
To happier hunting-grounds they now are gone — 

But never more shall my lost tribe increase 
Though Summer spreads the new wheat's yellow 
awn. 

Their taut-strung bows, in many a ghostly dawn — 
Bring down the water-buck, and great wild geese; 

My own people smoke the Pipe of Peace — 
To happier hunting-grounds they now are gone. 

Their noiseless hands, the birch-canoes release 
To paddle naked, in their bronze-red brawn; 

While all the Indian-Summer days decrease 

They track the young hart, in his haunts withdrawn; 

My own people smoke the Pipe of Peace — 
To happier hunting-grounds they now are gone. 



114 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



DIS AM A LAZY NIGGEH 

Dis am a lazy niggeh — an he knows hit mighty well, 
Foh he lubs ter sit an dream de hours away, 

Wen de biimbly-bee's a hummin, an sweet de roses 
smell, 
An de ripply waves am runnin roun de bay. 

Yep! dose HI waves dey mines him, wen a jumpin up 
an down, 
Ob de leap-frog dat de chilluns uster play; 
An de oysters shore war fat uns, down dar about de 
soun, 
Whar he cotched em, spry an early, in de day! 

But shucks! wha cars foh wokin wen hit am de lubly 
June, 
An de gahden dere am bloomin laik a bower? 
Not dis niggeh, no how, foh he done hyear de crazy 
tune 
Ob de yaller wabler, singin ebery hour. 

Yas, sassy bird, hid en de bush yo sits an jaws at him, 
Foh de rose am needin wattah hon hits leabes — 

Hits fresh perfume's so powerfu dis ol man's sight so 
dim, 
Dat sly Time go pas — a larfin in hims sleebes. 



AND OTHER POEMS 115 

So, dis no count ol darkie, woul des sneak a hind de 
trees, 

An hucctim it happen, dat he bat hims eye. 
Hit am but de cool sof wes win, a breshin up a breeze 

Dat done mek im feel so snoozy — laik ter die ! 



116 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE CYNIC MOON 

Lo! every heart which knows itself a fool — 

Of dream-silk winding Life's rich rainbow-balls, 
Must own at last, the lure of Love's misrule. 

Where they are flimg, like weary. War-spent Gauls — 
When, in the dust, the ruined fabric falls, 

And shattered lie the Vases of Delight 
In glittering fragments — Memory hides from sight: 

Again, upon the dreaming face of June, 
Young Summer dotes, deep chambered in the night, 

Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon! 

Crafts-woman weird is she whose burrel-tool 

Doth burnish bright the high Cathedral stalls 
Of forest-pine, inlaying all with buhl; 

'Tis there the langored nightingale still lolls. 
And sobbing, voices yet the old recalls — 

The little baby Loves doth she invite 
To hold with her, for aye, their singing rite — 

Which make the air, with music nigh to swoon 
While water-flowers are silvered o'er with light, 

Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon. 

For those wan lovers. Peace doth ridicule — 
And every Spirit which strange Love enthralls 

Forever winds the silk from off the Spool 

Of Life, to weave anew Love's velvet palls — 

And lay him straightened, 'twixt the earth's cold walls; 
Nor any hour shall that lorn heart requite. 



AND OTHER POEMS 117 

Which doth beat on, in treacherous Love's despite, 
To pluck again the blossom of the prune, 

When other Junes and other lips invite 

Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon. 

Prince ! in each clime, on every shore benight, 
Doth Love the very rudest heart incite — 

He craves His jest, the painted, gay buffoon! 
When silent is the tent, all hushed and white 

Neath chill enchantment of the cynic Moon. 



118 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



WITH WINGS OF FIRE 

One groped alone, and sore afraid, 

Till in the Temple once he prayed, 
' Oh, draw me up unto the height 
Where I would be. 
Lord Christ with Thee — 
To seek the face of my Delight." 

There suddenly a Seraph came, 

With eyes of fire 

And wings of flame; 

Till soft was heard 

His whispered word, 
' I am the Soul of thy Desire 
Which leads thee on, and shall not tire — 

For aye the same." 

Thus all the darkness wavering broke. 
And from that neck there fell the yoke 
Of grief and shame; 
While 'neath the fringes of his cloak 
Bright birds came crowding tame ! 
Afar the riven mountains woke 

From out the mist again — 
And flashing high, as some proud pyre, 
The riven wings of his Desire 
Rode up the air like flame — 
Then sweet the hymn of Morning spoke 
To one all healed and sane. 



AND OTHER POEMS 119 

He saw the eyes of his Desire 
Become more like to God's — 
Which — smiting with strange rods, 
Girds Men — till higher 
They must aspire 
With larger aim. 

Thrilled as he watched — far out of sight 
He saw take up the heaven-ward flight — 

With eyes like flame 

And wings of fire — 
The marvel of — his Soul's Desire! 



120 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



LOVE 

Love is a sentinel keeping 
His lone watch o'er the sleeping 
And counteth not the cost; 
Love is pale nun weeping, 
Love is bright fountain leaping, 
Love is the smi and frost. 

Love is an angel singing, 
Triumphant paean ringing; 
Love is a sharpen'd knife; 
Love is a deep dirge sounding, 
And Love like breakers pounding 
Makes music out of strife. 

Love is pure water steeping 
Where flame through forest creeping 
Spreads awful holocaust. 
Love is a plowman reaping 
Wheat for his brother's keeping. 
Love saves when all seems lost. 

On battle field outgoing 

Love is man's life-blood flowing; 

Love is a piping fife. 

Love planteth and he hoeth, 

He reapeth and he moweth 

On the fields of Life. 



AND OTHER POEMS 121 

Love is man's red blood bounding 

Selfless and free and rounding 

The corners all of life. 

Love is a dagger and a flame ; 

Love is a cross, Love is Christ's name; 

Love is sweet peace and strife. 

Love is a trumpet calling 

Where blood and wounds are falling 

For banners wildly tossed. 

Love is the Soldier marching ; 

Love is the rainbow arching 

Where lightning flames across. 

Love is pale mother bending 

O'er small white cradle tending; 

To prayer Love is the call. 

Love is the lone wind from a far steep crying; 

Love is stern living and strong dying, 

Living and dying all. 

Love is cowled monk beads telling; 
Love is loud anthem swelling 
Where Mary bows her head. 
Love on Christ hangs dimibly 
Where Magdalene kneels numbly 
Because her Lord is dead. 

Love is a miner — for his brother 
Shouldering pick-axe lest he smother 



122 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Under fallen crust. 
Love is a fire-man, where aspire 
Red flames of devouring fire, 
Keeping all his trust. 

Love is the world's heart beating; 
Safe in the great God's keeping, 
Though storms and floods are rife. 
From cinders of desire 
Love kindles holy fire. 
Oh ! Love is all of life ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 123 



A LITANY 

Out of the dream and the waking, 
Out of the leaving and taking — 
"Whatever Gods there be — " 
Earth's primal, hot thirst slaking, 
I pray deliver me ! 

From the black heart — mischief making, 
From the poor soul, scant virtue faking, 
"Whatever Gods there be — " 
I pray, all sin forsaking. 

This day deliver me ! 

Out of the flowering and falling 
To the frosts of a Winter appalling, 
I pray to the Gods — "Let be — " 
For over death's waste, calling, 
I hear the Eternal Sea! 

From tears, to the eyelids welling. 
From Judas — betraying and selling, 
At the Market Gates set free — 
I beg of the Gods indwelHng, 
This hour deliver me ! 



124 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



LIFE'S DAY 

A LITTLE day, to sit upon the hill, 

A little day! 
A little day, to wait upon God's will; 

A little day! 

A little day, to see the sapphire smoke 
Fold distant fields, when Autumn dons her cloak; 
A little day! 

A little day — e'en where the valley dips, 
To feel the chilling air on failing lips; 
A little day! 

A little day, and then — 
The weary hand lays down a fruitless pen; 
A little day ! 

A little day— oh. Men! 
With purer thought, and surer aim, 
To find the long loved work, the broken thread again, 
And write, as angels write — with fire and flame — 
Oh, largerMay! 



AND OTHER POEMS 125 



STAND 

Stand! midst the ruins of thy friendships, Soul! 

Courage shall cure. 
Stand! though falls the flow'r of love's beauty, Soul! 
Thy worn heart inure; 
Stand ! though Time with his scythe 
Moweth the blossom blythe; 
Sorrow abjure. 

Stand! though Pain's serpents writhe. 
Give not to grief one tithe, 
Christ shall assure! 
Stand ! till thy Judgment day ; 
Stand! though all pass away, 
In patient forfeiture. 

Stand ! midst the ruins of thy body, Soul ! 

Stand and endure; 
Stand! midst the ruins of thy riches, Soul! 

In God, secure. 



126 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE WATCH 

When Night's grey curtains fall, 

The weary sleep — 

Sad mothers weep ! 
But God doth keep His still watch over all. 

The hour-glass runneth out its sand 

Though tears are shed 

On midnight bed 
For buried dead, through sea and land; 

Soft, kind, and bland 

God's healing find 
Breathed over heart and mind ; 

He holds us in His hand ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 127 



THE TEST 

Yea, I would stake all, on a final test — 

So, out of the lengthened pain 
Come, lift me up, to the ardent breast 

Of my own love, once again. 

What is there of peace here, without his hand 

Now to ease my aching brain — 
To guide my steps in a barren land 

Where my tears are like the rain. 

Without his brave eyes to relume my skies 
High above this darkened plain — 

Dead stars that rise, till the last moon dies, 
They still beacon me on in vain. 

Then give to me back, O thou vagrant Love! 

Golden gauds of thine again — 
The world was fair, where a fleckless dove 

Took its flight, to the trackless main. 

And never, I know, shall grey Time bring back 

Unto us who now are twain. 
His gathered spoils — on a shoreless track 

Buried they must remain. 

Yea! I would stake all on a final test — 
Couldst thou come and whisper to me, 

' Fly, little bird, to thy first found nest 
In the Oak — thy Protector-Tree." 



128 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

My heart would leap up, at that old, sweet word, 

As my being ebbed to thee — 
Nay, Love ! We know — there shall not be heard 

Twice there-over — love's first, wild plea. 

To stead me who faints in a barren land. 
When my tears are like the rain — 

Lay on my heart, thy cool, easeful hand, 
Tender Ghost, for it breaks again. 



AND OTHER POEMS 129 



YOU COME TOO LATE 



You come too late — the mournful Minstrel's dead, 
So, wreathe no chaplets for his humbled head — 

For what to him are ardent lips, or song 
Which now, forevermore can not prolong 

Spent rapture — or the bloom of Summer sped? 
Now Autumn droops, where once the roses bled. 

Oh! had you come ere life's last word was said, 

Though it were ever with so soft a tread — 
The singer's heart had never known love's wrong — 
You come too late ! 

The baffling maze of death his footsteps led. 

Hid, path by path, down to this myrtled bed — 

Where praise and blame are one — nor long 
The years tmcomforted. No passion strong 

E'er wakes his Lute, to chilling Silence wed, 

For lorn laid by — with woven cobwebs spread; 
You come too late! 



130 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE SPINNER OF THE NIGHT 

I SIT beside my dying fire and spin 
The web of Dream within the Loom of Thought, 
Where many a broidered phantasy is wrought 

With jeweled strands of Memory therein. 

Where pure proud faces all life's fabric limn 
That in the past strange necromancy taught 
Of love's lost lore, in palaces unsought 

This later day, amidst the modem din. 

And all the weft is golden with rich hues 

As my large loom hums with a mystic song. 
To sit and dream and spin, who would not choose. 
If losing love, to find the love you lose 
Emblazoned all Time's tapestry along. 



AND OTHER POEMS 131 



DAPHNE 

Daphne ! I may but miss you through the years 

Who long ago went on the StarHt way; 
For I walk desolate, each weary day 
Untouched of tears. 

Tears freeze for cold Despair; 

Sweet was the youthful blossoming of you, 
Even as the pearl-white fever-few — 

Which dies in winter air. 

Daphne ! I m.ay but feed my heart 

In dreams of you 
Who years agone went on 

O'er fields apart : 
Ere flew the Summer's lark 
You paused within the dark, 

Of a Supremer Mom ; 
The Sunshine and the Dew 

A part of You, 
My pearl-white fever-few! 

In woods remote 
Silenced the Song-bird's throat 
At menace of the Frost; 
But even so 
No note 
Of mystic Harmony 
Shall flow 



132 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Unto the Lost ; 
It circles still the Sea 

Of vast Eternity, 
(Oh ! subtle penalty !) 
Forever onward tossed ! 

Daphne, alone, I may but dream of you 
Who walks amidst the morning dew 
Of radiant heaven; 
And, if forgiven 

At last I go, 
And melt with you 
Into the flow of living Light, 
Sure, safe, and shriven. 
My pearl-white fever-few 
I '11 find, still blooming white. 



AND OTHER POEMS 133 



WHERE WE MUST DWELL APART 

All the winds of midnight 
Sweep across thee now, 
And all the stars of heaven 
Bend above thy pallid brow — 
There in one grave of seven 
Beneath the ilix bough. 

Asleep within thy starlight 

Very rich art thou, 

For of thy love no leaven, 

Remaineth with thee now, 

The peace of God's white chrism 

Is shed upon thy brow. 

Lonely winds of midnight 
Beat cold upon thy heart 
And all the stars of heaven 
Dwell, where we must dwell apart, 
Thy grave — the one in seven. 
Is the grave of my lone heart. 



134 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



A FALLEN FLOWER 

Love's broken flower was she — when radiant night 

grown wan 
Out of the dusk and dalHance broke, the sterner dawn — 
And all the stars grew hush, that early shone. 

The Rose which dies, sore bruised by Love's inconstant 

hand — 
To fall forlorn, upon a parched and futile strand, 
Unkissed, unblest, making no more demand. 

She knows not when to earth the bright, resurgent Day 
Once more awakes, or if again, white bosomed May 
Treads those green aisles where Love was wont to stray. 

A faded rose, dropt from Life's tree — and failing Song! 
Oh, lover nightingale ! lone wailing of Love's wrong 
Unto processional Hours, pacing along. 

Swept cowering to death, where all of these disband, 
As blossoms fall, she fell, and did not understand — 
For Eros crowns — but those, he may not brand. 



AND OTHER POEMS 135 



A WASTREL BLOWN 

A WASTREL blown — before the winds of Night 
With spirit urgent for each new delight, 

At last lies wounded on drear barren ground; 

Where only wrecks of men, who long lay drowned 

In siren arms, are fallen from their might. 

The waste shore of his life is bitter sight; 

The evening falls ; and with the fair daylight 
His soul fast fades into the gloom profound, 
A wastrel blown! 

No mate is his — to wait upon his flight. 

Nor tiny nestlings in a nest requite 
His labor and his love ; like a stricken hound 

He goes into the storm that makes its round, 
Spreading the ravage of Life's winter blight, 
A wastrel blown ! 



136 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE CAMELLIA 

Rose of Japan ! once in the long ago — 

Beside the waterfall I saw thee grow 
In loveliness so subtle, secret wrought 

As is some hidden gem in mines unsought, 
That but the Master Alchemist doth know. 

The Jewel-Hunter came — where cherries blow 

And all the paths are deep with plum-tree snow ; 
Thy childish hands, filled with gay toys — he bought. 
Rose of Japan ! 

Thy satin hair, purpler than any sloe — 

Holds him no longer. Since thine overthrow 

The Rose's beauty, plucked — is come to naught 
And cast upon the earth-bed, to sorrow brought. 

Left there to searing thoughts no man may know 
Rose of Japan ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 137 



A JAPANESE GARDEN 

Within this garden Japanese 

Gay lantern-lights flared in the breeze; 
The cherries with their fallen flowers 

Made white the paths by iris bowers. 

Young Beauty lingered at her ease 
Here, in this garden Japanese, 

And twinkling, tiny water-falls 
Ran tinkling by the palace walls. 

An hundred years ran out their lease, 
And yet the curious dwarf fir trees. 

With twisted branches trained to grow, 
Bend over to the stream below. 

Neath stepping-stones, in jade-green pools, 
The golden carp swam by in schools; 

But now the lotus flowers decrease 
Within the garden Japanese. 

Blue butterflies and amber bees 
Displayed their airy coquetries. 

The mauve wistaria's trellised bloom 
Shed overhead a faint perfume. 

Fair was this garden Japanese; 

i.\zaleas spilled their wine-red lees 
Of ruined petals on each bed 

O Tomi San long since is fled, 



138 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

Who shyly smiled, her lord to please. 

Like beads of golden rosaries 
The hours of lanquid love she told, 

Till Time stole every bead of gold. 

Soon waxed and waned (as buds that freeze) 

The olden, sweet idolatries; 
An Autumn Wind blew from the shore, 

A Rose-girl closed the palace door. 

Still, in this garden Japanese, 
An Idol squatteth on his knees, 

Ah! deaf and dumb he is, and blind 
To ghosts that drift adown the wind. 

Soft whispering, sad mysteries 

Of many a garden Japanese 
Where fireflies at twilight flit. 

And bats, by lanterns, now unlit. 

Though lanterns, wreathed with peonies 

For those lost lovers Japanese, 
May swing at night, from ghostly stem, 

Alas ! no man recks aught of them. 

While all the lonely moons increase 
A cunning maze doth hide and sieze; 

High hedges close the paths about; 
Love may not in, that once flew out. 



AND OTHER POEMS 139 

He is a God none may displease, 

Deserted garden, Japanese, 
Fierce Dragon guards His palace door; 

Who issues thence, ne'er enters more! 



140 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE BLUE FLOWER 

The rare flower, the blue flower, 
The sweet and the dear flower 
That in my garden grows ! 
Others may love, all flowers above, 
The stately Lady-Rose, 
But I love the blue flower 
That hue of heaven shows. 



The fresh shower, the cool shower. 
That from the deep cloud flows, 
Hearkens when the blossoms sigh. 
Pours its blessings from on high 
On every flower that grows. 
Others may love all flowers above. 
The stately Lady-Rose, 
But I love the blue flower 
That blue as heaven blows. 



When tempest's lower at midnight's hour. 
Her petals shed from her rose-red flower. 

There bends my Lady-Rose ; 
But my blue flower bears the Storm-King's power 

Here in the garden close 
And lifts to the clouds her trusting eye 
As though she said, "Yea here am I, 

True and blue as God's blue sky." 



AND OTHER POEMS 141 

She such good courage shows 
That I do love all flowers above, 

Though stately is the rose — 
The rare flower, the blue flower 

That blue as heaven blows. 



142 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

AUTUMN 
I 

The roan-red leaves are driven down the wind, 
For Autumn wields her lash of twisting gales, 

And where the purple of the primrose pales 
The jeweled ash doth follow on behind. 

With all her whips she scourges bleak and blind 
The writhing trees, and boistrous jeers and rails 

At spineless ghosts who bury in the dales 

Dead Summer's grace, with nioldered roses twined. . 

When stark and bare, the blackened boughs are tossed 

Beneath the menace of a darker sky. 
And shadowed eyes search for Love's footprints lost — 

As through the wold, the riven dead leaves fly — 
The sheeted Rain scores window-pane across — 

Beloved, even the dearest Rose must die. 



AND OTHER POEMS 143 

AUTUMN 
II 

Now Autumn walks upon her breezy hills 
And scatters largess with a lavish hand ; 

To feed the hungry of a foreign land 

With yellow corn, her gamers full she fills. 

Red, ripened fruit her generous apron spills; 

One heedeth not that all the flowers disband — 
For gilded trees in every coppice stand 

Of richer hue than Spring's dear daffodils; 

Within the orchard-close, the raven crows 
Are chattering, in search of fallen seeds; 

Full thankful for the harvest God bestows ; 
And where the crimson of the Maple bleeds, 

Above yon runlet, which clear amber shows — 
Reed-birds fly south — and desolate the reeds! 



144 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THERE IS A BLAND, MYSTERIOUS LAND 

There is a bland, mysterious land. 

Where lilies blow, more white 
Than is the petrel's silver wing 

In its far flashing flight ; 

Where roses grow, whose colors flow 

In flames of living light, — 
Whose perfumes bring their pleasuring 

To Seraphs mailed in Might. 

These blooms are wonderful ; like Souls 

All shaken with delight 
Their petals breathe of Joy and Spring, 

Untouched of terrene blight. 

And from their chambered glories fling 

Some competence bewildering 
O'er singing Space, that comets lace. 

The Spirit mastering. 

The Lure of Song doth here belong, 

Enraptured, hid from sight; 
And Love, glad bird that once you've heard, 

Nests in the velvet night. 

Blue fountains fall, and over all 
Rayed-rainbows fret each parapet; 



AND OTHER POEMS 145 

Adown the curving sapphire Stair 
Strays Youth, forever fair! 

And, like a giant marigold, 
From out The Potter's prisom'd Jars 
In wide, concentric rings unfold 

Pied passion-flowers of air, 

Than winged Peace more rare! 
But oh! the high, proud, sabered-Stars 

Guard all the treasures there. 



10 



146 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



ELISE 

Elise is like a waxen rose 

Nuns tend behind their cloister-screen, 
Protected from each wind that blows. 

Her spotless bloom white as far snows 
That never stain of step have seen ; 
Elise is like a waxen rose. 

Which unto fragile beauty grows 

Where fountains fret, and lindens lean. 
Protected from each wind that blows. 

But of her heart no lover knows — 

(Thus hides the flower her thorns between) - 
Elise is like a waxen rose ! 

Her soul lies locked in still repose. 

By dreams unstirred, a lake serene, 
Protected from each wind that blows. 

Sweet as pale buds the Nims dispose 
Upon hushed altar of heaven's Queen, 

Protected from each wind that blows, 
Elise is like a waxen rose ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 147 



MAIDEN OF SNOW 

Pale maid, and slender — 

Proud smile, and slow, 
Graces attend her. 

Maiden of Snow ! 

Shy maid, more tender 

Than Spring-buds blow — 
Angels defend her. 

Maiden of Snow ! 

They must have told her 

Their secrets — so 
Lips of her render 

Kind words below. 

Pure maid and tender. 

Lashes laid low — 
Pale maid, and slender, 

Maiden of Snow ! 

The World may not bend her; 

But this I know. 
Dear maid and tender, 

Where young Love shall go, 
Oft doth he kindle his flame in the snow ! 



11 



148 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



WAYWARD LOVE 

The world seems large and lonely, 

And sore desolate the sea; 
A chill wind blows from the farther Shore, 

That coaxed my wa3nA^ard Love from me. 

For she was slight and wayward 

As the sown grass of the lea; 
And sweet as grasses but newly shorn 

When mower reaps, at early mom. 

The Waves were her fleet kindred, 

And the frail Anemone — 
Where I go seeking forever more 

My wayward Love who went from me. 

Her feet were white as the sea-foam 

Tossed hither by the sea; 
Her tresses wan as the beach-sand blown ; 

Her soul, the shore where breakers moan. 

Alone I 'm left to mourn 
And watch beside the sea. 

A chill wind blows from the father Shore 
That coaxed my wayw^ard Love from me. 



AND OTHER POEMS 149 



THE LITTLE PATHS 

Come, pluck the blue-bells in the rocky glen, 
This little path you may not take again — 

Gather the roses on the lower rise; 
That way may lead to Paradise. 

And dip a cool cup where the were-wolf's den 
Hides near j^on foaming brook, for not again 

Such beaker shall you lift for any lip ; 
Then there, kneel down, and joyous sip! 

Oh, ease the wounded, though 't were but a wren ! 

The Way of Wounds you may not tread again ; 
Cheer thus in passing every human heart; 

From paths of Love you shall not part. 

When hushed, on dying ears, are earthly wails, 

And reached the gleaming heights beyond these trails, 
Then shall our Father smile on us, and say, 
"The little paths you took led all this way." 



150 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE PERI 

A Peri strayed, lone-lost and lost- wise singing 
(Afar, the bells of elf -land softly swinging), 
"I loved a Mortal, and the God of Love 

Within His shrine red roses hung above — 
Saw mine heaped arms, pale, wreathed blossoms 
bringing." 

From His exalted place there, lightly springing. 

His gorgeous wings He spread and went a-winging, 
Full murmurous as some plaintive, pecking dove 
A Peri strayed. 

Beside the silver Ash-tree frightened clinging, 

Her little flower-like hands then wildly wringing, 
"My bridal-bower I twined with the white fox-glove, 
The wicked faeries stole it, and flown is Love!" 
And thus all lonely-lost, and lost-wise singing, 
A Peri strayed. 



AND OTHER POEMS 151 



A GEISHA 



Pomegranate bloom, Oh^ ! is red, and fair, 

Set in the ebon satin of her hair, 
But not so rose as is that petaled lip 

Whence men, like wandering bees, must long to sip. 

The lotus-bud, wan pearl! is white, but rare; 

Her golden little feet — how debonair 
They poise and wheel on tiny pointed tip — 
Pomegranate Bloom! 

She bruised otir hearts within her silver snare 
Of sighing Song, and with dark, childish stare 

Besought — as one who lets her soft veil slip 
To show a subtle smile, like honey, drip 

O'er sudden flashing teeth, and swift forbear — 
Pomegranate Bloom! 



152 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



LOVE'S FORGIVENESS 

The wounds of love ! they score so deep ! 

(Give me thy Httle careless hands to keep, 
Now they are folded whitely, m soft sleep.) 

The wounds of love ! they goad so sore ! 

(Give me thy reckless lips that scorn; Restore 
Love's first caress, lest love should be no more.) 

A rapier is love, with blade full keen ! 

(Gods ! I forgive if on my breast you lean 
To flick me with a flower, insouciant, serene.) 

The wounds of love ! they gird so deep ! 

(But I forget them all when night and sleep 
Give me thy little wayward hands to keep.) 



AND OTHER POEMS 153 



WHEN NIGHT SOOTHES CARE 

When night soothes care, oppressed 
Men kneel, and are confessed 

Of all the hopes that cheat, 
As life's stern pulses beat 

And barren joys protest. 

Grief's garment wan, unblest. 
Shed as one sheds a vest — 

For souls from flesh retreat 
When night soothes care. 

Then dream I on thy breast 
My burdened heart finds rest ; 

Love runs with footsteps fleet 
The naked soul to greet, 

His losses all redressed 
When night soothes care. 



154 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



O LOVE, BE KIND 

O Love, be kind to us — forever kind. 

Lo! dark forbidding Shades, to night resigned, 
Across yon hill like troopers worn and grey 

Addrest to Death, show forth the last forray — 
And fallen Suns, each Shadow leaves behind. 

The trail is lost, where ardent days declined; 

Give us thine hands, thy lips we can not find 
Alas, dear Heart ! we may not longer stay, 
O Love, be kind ! 

For us no wreath of splendid roses bind, 
To clasp with frozen fingers intertwined 

When we shall cease from thoughts that hearts affray ; 
Still solace us, and be not far av/ay 

Where whispers but the solitary Wind; 
O Love, be kind ! 



AND OTHER POEMS 155 



TO CROWN A CAUSE 

These fare not forth, where bitter foemen fight 
To crown a Cause — they early lipped the dust — 

Their rearing chargers, in the blood-black must 
Trod out the dead and living, on their flight. 

All, frantic with wide wounds, and War's spent might, 
The dying bare full many a parting thrust 

And sacrifice complete, gave up their trust 
While yet the battle blared upon each height: 

For they who early felt the heat of that first fire, 
The cannister and ball, dread petronel — 

Intrepid broke upon the ramparts — dire. 
With flame and sword, stared into the pits of Hell — 

And pouring life out on that heathen pyre. 
Unshrinking, surfeited with conquest — fell. 



156 THE CRYvSTAL GAZER 



THE QUESTION 

How still this burden lies upon the caisson, 
Wrapt in the flag which doth Death's door emblazon 
With splendor of rude War, and roaring strife. 

Laid neath the banner bullet-holed and gory, 
Is this enough for thee, and all of glory? 
Is this enough for thee of stalwart life? 

Stem warrior, who passed in cruel fashion. 
And fought his fight, to die in stress of passion, 
Quite peaceful sleeping, patient, freed from strife. 

Whose youth was fain of warfare, when no pleading 
Would hold the blue-steel bayonet — receding 
When life-blood followed fast upon the knife. 

Is it better to lose a life, grey and hoary, 

Than in its first full blossom of its glory? 

Canst tell us, pallid loser in the strife? 

Thy lips might yield the answer we await ; 
Thine hands might lift the veil that curtains fate 
Now that ye wake no more to drum and fife. 

Though all the years are like a tragic story 
Soon put aside — no Spirit from its glory 
Returns to tell the riddle of his life. 



AND OTHER POEMS 157 

Dead soldier, borne upon the cannon-carriage — 
To Silence wedded, in strange, barren marriage. 
Who holds thee in her arms as rightful wife — 

Speak! ere earth thy day shall darken, 
And sky shut out, then mayst thou never hearken. 
Nor thrill to hear Love's voice, or screaming fife. 

Still silent! under earthen roof and rafter. 
Blind to sun and cloud and flower, shall the brave 
laughter 
Cease with the hour, and the trumpet's call with life? 

When cold the blood, shall tears of women weeping 

Melt the cold heart of one sound sleeper sleeping — 

Who takes at last his rest from battle-strife? 

Come speak! and tell us from the known hereafter 
What hast thou found, tears or laughter. 
Or dream of love immortal in an immortal life? 



158 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



EN GARDE! 

En garde! I am thy foeman, Death! 
'Ware the sable Kjaight, 
Or he shall have thy breath 
Thine eyes, thy sight. 

En garde ! If through thy golden mail 
My chill blade entereth, 
The centered life shall quail, 
I am thy foeman, Death! 



AND OTHER POEMS 159 



WAR 



No MORE to fight where alien armies merge, 
But fallen to the dust in red decay, 
Their kinsman, Earth, claims them as kindred clay; 
Unheeding with dull ears the bugles' urge, 
While smoking ranks of grim battalions surge, 
And screaming shells tear flesh and bone away ; 
Alike are stricken — the blue and the gray: 
The crashing cannon's mighty funeral dirge ! 
The rushing legions in the sudden charge. 
Enraged with blood, and slaughter's lust and lure, 
Impassioned, driving down to Hell's black marge, 
And there to forfeit life's investiture; 
Then Night's dark walls, so lonely and so large, 
Prisoners of Death on battlefield immure. 



160 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 

WAR 
II 

No MORE to gallop on the conflict's verge, 

When friends and foemen mingle as one clay; 

To starkly lie nor heed the bugle's urge, ' 

While souls go out in blood to God this day; 

Prostrate to watch the rushing battle-charge 

Flooding the meadows like a tidal sea, 

And there receding unto death's bleak marge 

Where riderless, full many horses flee: 

Then with her dew and darkness Night apace 

Bends down and spreads again her ancient lure. 

Her planet peers above a young, dead face, 

But all is well with them that sleep secure; 

Red War threshed here — with his hard, iron flails, 

Good Wheat there was, reaped from an hundred dales. 



AND OTHER POEMS 161 



"THE LAND OF FEAR" 

(Blad El KouJ) 

The grayness of vast spaces without sound — 

Here Desolation sits; pale, arid sands 

Stretch endless on, forgot of fertile lands; 

The Desert broods, perpetual and profound, 

Like some sad prisoner, in shackles bound. 

Hopeless of aught, with shriveled, empty hands 

Unfructile holden, by his iron bands. 

Whom enemies invisible surround; 

The Scorching Sun — that weaves his cruel thirst - 

Deliritmi — who dreams of rivers free. 

And hideous Death — of all the best and worst — 

For bones lie bleaching, where no waters be. 

Beneath a sky of bronze, assoiled, accurst — 

Immeasurable, dreadful Destiny! 



162 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



AN OASIS 

Across the parching waste, the caravan 

With tinkhng bells went steadfast on, and slow, 

Tall camels bearing, under sun's red glow. 

Rich burdened bales, from far off Ispahan. 

When weary day was done, and night began, 

Men slept supine, beneath God's portico. 

Whence blazing stars — like lanterns bright — swung low, 

The Desert still, their well tried strength foreran; 

Till dust-worn drivers babbled of the sheen 

Of fluent waters, near mimosa trees; 

Their dazed eyes saw a swelling, ribbed lateen 

In weird mirage — at last, an algid breeze 

Cooled girded blood, from an Oasis green, — 

Dark Arabs praised wise Allah on their knees. 



AND OTHER POEMS 163 



WHERE MYSTERY LURKS 

Within this tropic, dusk, fear-haunted glade — 
Its strange ferns shaken by some gorgeous bird 
Which flies the serpent, or wild creature furred — 
Rare, giant blooms imsheathe a blood-red blade; 
Late lily cups uplift their pearl and jade, 
The great bronze ibis and old saurians herd 
Through water-ways the sultry silence gird 
With pause and stir. Against the pale brocade 
Of orchid flowers gleams like sun stricken shard 
Of precious ruby, scarlet cockatoo 
With shrilling cry, as through the dusk he hies 
To deeper treasuries of musk and nard 
Where still pools rear the hyacinth, rich blue, 
And Mystery lurks, v/ith veiled and humid eyes. 



164 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE STOLEN SLAVE 

Dost thou regret within the place of palms, 
Where attar-sweet, slow, eastern fountains fret 
Neath harem-grate and lifted minaret 
The Desert's hush, of starred and crystal calms? 
When slave-girls swathe those rounded, ivory arms 
In soft rose veils of gauze; thick tresses set 
With pearls of price — at ease canst thou forget 
Our tent ? the withering simoon, alarms 
Of fleeing horses — and the sudden Sword? 
Wild cries and frantic haste, torn from my hold — 
Bold Turk may prize thy beauty, dimmed by tears. 
And count as treasure all my golden hoard; 
But like a panther springing on his fold — 
Thy Desert-Lord, shall pay, with storming spears. 



AND OTHER POEMS 165 



THE GOLDEN STREAM 

In lotus dreams of love, we lingered down 

The banks of Nile's broad amber flood, and thou! 

With hands like lilies trailed beneath the prow, 

Pale flower of light! The shadows, madder-brown, 

Grew darker, as day slipped away, to drown 

In night. Then as the stars rose, burning vow 

On vow fell from hot lips; thy perfect brow 

Drooped on my breast; Love lifted up his crown. 

Ere dawn the pallid wraith of bliss was fled. 

Upon the water's widened, umbered waste 

A lotus bloom of wondrous hue was shed 

Of petals frail; the wandering Winds cried, "Haste! 

Gold moon sets soon, in mom's rich swath of red. 

The tropic path of love is not retraced." 



12 



166 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



MIRAME 

'T IS LONG since I have looked upon thy face — 

As twilight, dusk — O sweet, dark Mirame! 

At thy small feet have knelt and worshiped thee, 

So supple slender, in thy classic grace. 

For where thou wert, all lovely things found place. 

Ah ! deep thine eyes, and sad, as erst the Sea, 

That in the midnight rests, alone and free — 

Beneath the moon-pearl swinging high in space. 

And thus I dreamed — tame in thy beauty's lure — 

Till those lost years fell from me, bare and lean. 

But my cold, barren heart must still endure 

The anguish of glad days that once have been: 

Binds Mirame — in memory secure, 

The love she took — when my young world was green. 



AND OTHER POEMS 167 



THE MAESTRO'S VIOLIN 

The Maestro played upon his violin — 

Rich mellowed with the alchemy of years 

It wailed with voices of lost women's tears, 

Regrets, remorses of unchastened sin. 

Low plaint of love, lost broken things therein; 

Hot grief (the iron that the raw soul sears) 

Swift mutterings of Memory — cold fears — 

Lives ended ere they did full well begin; 

With winnowing wings the music upward flown 

Unhindered, floating toward some heaven-boimd 

dell. 
Enraptured touched a far and fevered zone — 
Thence dropped to earth, and plunged to deepest 

HeU, 
Till one bright strain — now shall God's love atone- 
Spoke in the final chord — and silence fell. 



168 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



A MAN 

As ONE who long for loss hath ceased to grieve, 
He looks on life, with clear and tranquil eyes ; 
If oft he hears the bells of Paradise 
From heights unseen their mystic music weave, 
He gives no sign. Thus doth he generous leave 
To other men each loved and rich emprize. 
That blesses them, and the donor sanctifies; 
From seed broad-cast, expecting to achieve 
No rare reward — or argent wealth of Bay 
To bind his brows; he holds a larger Creed — 
For they, that often in strange temples pray, 
Where many alien sects are not agreed. 
Confused with argument, all gospels weigh. 
Truth's voice alone, compels his every deed. 



AND OTHER POEMS 169 



UNCONQUERED 

(to j. l. g.) 

My Father — never had I seen you look 
In life thus masterful and subtly sweet, 
While we so sorrowfiil were left; ah, fleet 
Was Death, to find that ingle-side's still nook. 
And you to meet him there arose, your book 
Long loved, so gently laid aside; 'twas meet 
He found you reading — as fond friends may greet 
After long absence, His chill hand you took 
And smiling softly, this green world forsook; 
Calm in swift agony — shone clear, Faith's gleam, 
Your soul unstirred and noble to the last; 
As wearied sleeper, full content to dream; 
And there upon you was strange beauty cast, 
Though you were Death's, your spirit ruled supreme. 



170 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



SAPPHO'S SERVITUDE 

All Ye! who servitude for Sappho bear — 

Neath that hid tree, whereof the cuckoo sings, 

Have seen the flutter of her faerie wings; 

Pale primrose of the wold is not so fair 

As her small head, wreathed with its yellow hair, 

Nor blanched lilies, where the wild bee stings, 

Are as white as She — laved in those lucid springs 

Known by the nymph and faun — Oh, well aware 

Her false fond eyes — as Sea pools beryline — 

In which swoon Souls that Peace bespeaks no more; 

Sad exiles hearing from an alien shore 

Their Angels calling — but strange Sappho, queen! 

Who asketh all, doth never tithe restore 

Of flotsom blown to her storm-swept demesne. 



AND OTHER POEMS 171 



BLIGHT 



The fragile bloom of the young May was here, 
And robins sang again the olden rune 
Of fragrant things to be in promised June, 
Till all was hushed by sharp and sudden fear; 
A black cloud swept across the ruffled meer; 
The rifted sands were whirled above the dune. 
And freezing hail soon hid the blighted moon; 
Then all was past of Spring — so fresh, so dear: 
Thus is the flower of a maiden's heart 
Bereaved and broken, when that frost forlorn 
Of trust betrayed, and innocence forgot, 
Sweeps over Youth, and with its icy dart 
So levels life to one bleak winter mom 
That joy shall be no more — bitter lot! 



172 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



SLEEP 

Along the vague, dim borders of a dream — 
The Soul swept round scant shoals of Sleep ; unknown 
Wan shores peered through dank drifting fog, o'er 

blown 
From farther head-lands of a darker stream: 
The heron from dun reeds with startled scream 
Arose, and stealthy as the dusk, was flown, 
And yet the Soul went naked and alone, 
Descending gulfs obscure; day's shuttered gleam 
Pierced consciousness with crude imaginings 
Till subtler deeps flowed over sound and sense. 
As, onward set, to some strange hospice bound — 
Of slumber rapt, it knew not futile things, 
Adrift in night — now stripped of all defense — 
And silent vanished, where no strand is found! 



AND OTHER POEMS 173 



BLEST NIGHT 

Blest Night! thou Shepherdess of wayward Stars — 
Bend down thy tender beauty and embrace 
The waiting Earth — on every weary face 
Shed peace, and heal us of our burning scars; 
Show forth thy flaming oracle, red Mars, 
And men shall dream within thy holy place 
Wrapt round with sleep, whilst thou shalt Care unlace 
As corselet worn — unlock Wrong's prison bars, 
And shed upon the evil ones and just 
Mysterious dews, from out thy cisterns cold 
To quench their fevers — parching is the dust 
Where Worlds advance! Take to thy hallowed fold 
Worn souls who yield themselves into thy trust, 
And lift them heavenward — from the clod and mould. 



174 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THE AMARANTHINE FLOWER 

Bring me thine Amaranthine flower of rest 
To ease a heart long wearied and full sore 
With conflicts vain. To me my dreams restore. 
So shalt thou bind me tranquil Sleep's pale guest 
Who weeps nor smiles however Time may jest 
At happiness — Ah! long forgotten lore; 
They keep the festival of Life no more 
Whose love lies sterile in bereaved breast: 
Then crown me Victor with thy garland bright, 
Sweet are thy dreams of purer bliss — Bend, Death ! 
Above this fevered bed and seal me thine, 
Then may I pour that rich immortal wine 
The Gods have drunk, where Love remembereth — 
And in that hour, it shall no more be night. 



AND OTHER POEMS 175 



MY DARLING 

(to l. g. r.) 

Within our heaven — my darling! 

Thine eyes like the tranquil stars 
Over my dark soul shaken 

Light all the midnight hours; 
Thy lips my kisses waken 

Like roses in their bowers ; 
And smooth as clustered lilies 

Thy bosom — white as flowers; 
Oh, like some golden river 

That streams within the Sun, 
Thy golden hair is spun ! 

How is it God hath given 
Such treasure unto me, 

Whose soul with tempest riven 
Is one — with storm and sea? 



176 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



THEN THE ROSES FALL 

One by one their petals fade, 

Then the roses fall, 
On the bare brown patient breast 

Of Earth, who mothers all. 

Swift at length, through each decade, 

Years grow lean and tall, 
Found, the end of each fair quest ; 

Old Earth! who mothers all. 

Soon our final talent paid, 
Tears, with rose-leaves fall, 

Spent at last, we ask but rest, 
Of Earth, who mothers all. 



AND OTHER POEMS 177 



WHEN YOU SING 

When you sing, 
All is possible to me 

That I had once hoped to be, 
Ere Time brushed away the dew 

From Life's rose. 

When you sing 
Tears mount to my burning eyes ; 

And my heart with muffled cries 
Mourns for what can never be, 

This side of Eternity 
And Death's repose. 



178 THE CRYSTAL GAZER 



LOVE'S MYSTERY 

Is Love pain? Is Love bliss? 
We can not tell what'^Love's^mystery is. 

Love is pain;^when]our'^Dead we kiss, 
Warm living lips that we press 'are bliss. 

Only God knows what Love's mystery is, 
For bHss and pain alike are His. 



AND OTHER POEMS 179 



ADIEU 

I WILL go down to the silent valleys 

Where the Mothers of men may sleep — 
I will enter the caverns of silence 

Though I hear the children weep. 
Sore was the parting, but under 

The slope of the shining sod, 
Low is muffled the thunder 
Of Juggernaut wheels — 

God hath broken the rod. 

(July 30, 1915-) 



